According to Sibanda-Thusi, trade opportunities in all the Russian regions were abundant for SA businesses

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, September 14, 2017,-/African Media Agency (AMA)/- South Africa's Ambassador to Russia, Ms Nomasonto Sibanda-Thusi says collaboration and cooperation between different spheres of government and the business fraternity is critical to increasing trade between the Russia and South Africa. Ms Sibanda-Thusi was speaking during her visit to the South African National Pavillion at the World Food Moscow International Food Exhibition where 20 South African businesses are exhibiting their products.

Sibanda-Thusi said she was impressed with the hard work by the South African government to increase trade with the Russia, but she added that much needed to be done through the collaboration and cooperation between all spheres of government and the business fraternity. She said this would yield positive results through increased trade, the creation of much-needed jobs and subsequently change the lives of the majority in South Africa.

"South Africa is endowed with capabilities and has a lot to offer to the Russian market and the world at large, we just need to double our efforts in showcasing these offerings and opening up the markets for businesses. It is important for our products be seen and recognised in these trade exhibitions and together we can make sure they are," emphasised Sibanda-Thusi.

According to Sibanda-Thusi, trade opportunities in all the Russian regions were abundant for SA businesses. She said the far east region of Vladivostok, near the borders of China and North Korea is yearning and enthusiastic for South African products and businesses needed to be strategic, understand that market and be creative when taking advantage of this untapped market. She added that South African participation in the World Food Moscow International Exhibition says a lot about where South Africa wants to go with Russia, according to her, it shows the significance of SA-Russia relations.

"Russia is important to our country and businesspeople must take advantage of the good relations that we have ploughed for them," she said.

Sibanda-Thusi assured the businesspeople of the continuous support from government for them to access external markets and further encouraged them to make follow-ups on the trade leads they will acquire during the exhibition.

Source: The Department of Trade and Industry, Republic of South Africa