S. Africa to hold roadshow to attract investors in four countries

JOHANNESBURG, March 18 (Xinhua) -- South African government will embark on an investment promotion roadshow in Switzerland, Germany, France and India to lure investors to put their money in the country, said Brand South Africa on Monday.

Brand South Africa general manager for global markets Judy Smith-Höhn said they roadshow will be held from March 19 to 30. They will have meetings with government and business in the mentioned countries to showcase South Africa as the attractive investment destination.

"South Africa is one of the most sophisticated, diverse and promising emerging markets globally. It performs well in the nation brand index and engaging business in these markets is important for Brand South Africa," said Smith-Höhn.

Yunus Hoosen, acting deputy director general for InvestSA, said the investment promotion roadshow is in line with South Africa's five-year investment drive which seeks to raise over 86 million U.S. dollars. He stated that the country have a conducive environment for investors.

Hoosen said, "South Africa offers a combination of developed, first-world economic infrastructure and a growing emerging market. Its investment potential lies in its diversity of sectors and industries. It is also a major trading nation, exporting and importing more than 167 billion U.S. dollars worth of goods every year, from a location that makes it an ideal gateway into African and other global markets."

He stated that South Africa is also seen as regional manufacturing hub to other African markets by investors. It has new industries and investment opportunities in energy and infrastructure, information and telecommunication industry, clean tech and health care market.

Hoosen said, "Our objective as InvestSA is to facilitate the increase in the quality and quantity of foreign and domestic direct investment by providing an investment recruitment, problem-solving and information service to retain and expand investment in South Africa and into Africa, as well as to actively market, promote and facilitate investment in key high-yielding growth sectors of the South African economy."