South Africa eyes strong trade relations with Cebu

CEBU, Philippines — The South African government, through its embassy in the Philippines, pledged to forge stronger partnerships with the local government units (LGUs) of Cebu and the private sector, recognizing the province’s potential for growth in key sectors such as agro-processing, manufacturing, the ocean economy, construction, the creative industry, tourism, and energy.

South African Ambassador to the Philippines Bartinah Ntombizodwa Radebe-Netshitenzhe recently met with government and private sector leaders in Cebu to express interest in collaboration with the aim of strengthening South Africa’s relations with Cebu and enhance trade exchanges, industry technology transfer, and other potential partnership initiatives.

The South African Ambassador to the Philippines arrived in Cebu on March 14, 2024.

During her visit, she engaged with both the local government of Cebu and the business community to discuss strategies for enhancing import and export relations, and identifying investment opportunities.

In a press briefing, the lady Ambassador emphasized the interest of the African government in pursuing collaborative programs working with the Cebu City LGU, the Cebu Provincial Government, and the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI).

“Cebu has the most effective chamber of commerce. We think that we have so much to offer to Cebu,” Netshitenzhe said adding that her visit to Cebu kicks off her government’s stance to spread its wings in forging “friendships” with key regional locals not just Cebu, but also Davao.

Her office, she said will facilitate active partnerships with CCCI and the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry, as well as the sister-city agreement between Durban and Cebu City.

Durban is the third-most populous city in South Africa, after Johannesburg and Cape Town.

Ocean economy

The lady Ambassador said the South African government could lend a hand in helping Cebu develop its “ocean economy” or the maritime industry, mentioning South Africa’s success in building the largest ports.

Cebu’s plan to expand its port facilities is a good signal for South Africa to come in a offer its expertise in building effective port facilities.

She mentioned arranging a trade mission to Durban, South Africa, for Cebu stakeholders led by CCCI and LGU executives to see the operations of ports in Durban, which is considered one of the largest in the world hosting about 15 thousand containers a day.

“We have the best technology,” she said referring on port operations, which Cebu can learn from.

Likewise, Cebu’s reputation as a producer of good seafarers in the world could also pave the way for bringing South African maritime professionals to have their training in Cebu.

Tourism

Cebu’s strength in tourism is also another avenue that the South African government and its private sector could jointly explore.

According to the Ambassador, South African travelers love warm destinations like Cebu. “Everybody wants to go to the beach.”

The challenge now is direct flight access, thus, one of the programs her Embassy is working on is to encourage more airlines to open up direct flights from South Africa to key destinations in the Philippines, like Cebu.

Already, Netshitenzhe said her government is working with the Department of Tourism (DOT) to promote the Philippines to South Africa and vice versa.

She said young South African travelers are looking at destinations like the Philippines, but the lack of direct air access is the main challenge why these tourists prefer other destinations in Asia.

Aside from tourism, and maritime industries, Netshitenzhe also mentioned possible collaboration in growing Cebu’s exports of mangoes to South Africa, especially during the winter season. At the same time, Cebu could take advantage of bringing in South Africa’s Oranges, being one of the world’s largest producers of best oranges.

Construction, the creative industry, and the energy industries are also among the potential areas for collaboration between Cebu and South Africa, she added.