20 November 2006
The French-South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry's "J'adore South Africa" campaign seeks to promote trade and investment between South Africa and France.
Launched at the French embassy in Pretoria in September, the 12-month "I love South Africa" campaign aims to promote long-term business relationships between French and South African companies.
"We don't want to be here just for the short term," visiting French Foreign Trade Minister Christine Lagarde said in a statement issued by the French-SA Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FSACCI) last Tuesday. "That is not how French business operates."
French Week
Lagarde was in South Africa for French Week, which kicked off in Johannesburg on Monday with the first
France-South Africa Forum, a two-day workshop focusing on the possibilities for French-South African business partnerships in Africa.
The week included a number of events designed to increase cross-cultural networking between South Africa and France, including a two-day international design exhibition in Johannesburgy with over 60 objects showcasing French technology.
Also in Johannesburg, the one-day Innovation 2010 Seminar - in partnership with the Department of Science and Technology and Technology Top 100 - focused on present and future collaboration projects between France and South Africa.
Lagarde said in the statement that there was a misconception among many French firms that there was a risk to doing business in South Africa. "There are misconceptions and misperceptions about the market that need to be defused by the reality of those that conduct the business on the ground," she said.
Business on the increase
According
to SA's Department of Foreign Affairs, South Africa is France's biggest trade partner in sub-Saharan Africa.
Department figures show that French business interest in South Africa has increased from R6.6-billion in 1996 to R15-billion in 2005.
France is currently the seventh biggest supplier of imported goods to SA, and the sixth largest foreign investor in the country, with increased investment in 2005 flowing mainly into the manufacturing industry.
Almost 150 French companies are operating in South Africa in sectors ranging from aeronautics, energy and transport to information and communication technology, public works, pharmaceutical products and consumer goods.
Campaign sponsors
Accor, Air France, Bouygues, Lafarge, Renault and Total have joined the J'adore South Africa campaign as platinum sponsors, with Air Liquide, Sagem, South African Tourism and Eurocopter on board as gold sponsors and Alcatel and Natexis Banques
Populaires as silver sponsors.
The French South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry, founded in 1979, represents over 200 members with business interests in France and SA.
It aims to promote reciprocal trade between France and SA by providing a range of services and activities aimed at facilitating business opportunities within the French and South African business communities.
Its members include Air France, Alcatel, Aventis, Basil Read, Peugeot, Total, Alstom, Citroen and Werksmans Attorneys.
SouthAfrica.info reporter
|
