By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Deputy President Paulus Shipokosa Mashatile has engaged with South African and French businesses during a Roundtable Breakfast Dialogue hosted by MEDEF International in Paris.
MEDEF is France’s largest business federation, representing over 750 000 companies, from SMEs to large multinationals.
It plays a central role in promoting French economic diplomacy, supporting private sector development, and facilitating international investment and trade relationships.
South Africa and France enjoy cordial relations underpinned by a robust bilateral cooperation programme in areas such as Political Dialogue, Defence, Science and Technology, Energy Cooperation, Education and Skills Development, Health, Transport, Arts and Culture, among others.
Mashatile said that the South African government was committed to spending more than R940-billion on infrastructure over the next three years.
He said this funding would revitalise South Africa’s roads and bridges, build dams and waterways, modernise the ports and airports, and power the country’s economy.
“Moreover, investors have an opportunity to collaborate with the South African government by investing in infrastruture such as ports, rail, electricity, and manufacturing to improve local value-addition and boost trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area,” he said.
He also touched on the EU-SA Summit, which took place in Cape Town in March, where there was an announcement of the EU investment package of around R90-billion to support investment projects in South Africa.
In addition, Mashatile met with Group CEO of global investment firm Meridiam and chairman of the Global Long-Term Infrastructure Investors Association Thierry Deau.
Meridiam specialises in public infrastructure, with assets under management over €12-billion.
It focuses on long-term investments in transport, energy, social infrastructure, and enviromental projects, with a commitment to sustainable development and inclusive growth.
Mashatile indicated that he is certain that South Africa and France can achieve new heights of prosperity through strengthening their economic links and encouraging closer cooperation.