Chamber forges new links with South Africa ahead of Commonwealth Games
An agreement has been struck to promote bilateral trade between Greater Birmingham and South Africa.
As Birmingham prepares to host the Commonwealth Games next year, the Greater Birmingham Commonwealth Chamber of Commerce has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the British Chamber of Business in Southern Africa.
These new links between Greater Birmingham and South Africa come as the Queen 's Baton Relay prepares to arrive in South Africa this week - the 18th stop on its tour of the Commonwealth territories.
Stefanie Bowes, head of the Commonwealth Chamber, said: “As the Queen 's Baton arrives into South Africa, we are delighted to announce that we have signed an MoU with the British Chamber of Business in Southern Africa.
“We look forward to working with them to promote our regions and reinforce that there is a support network and opportunities beyond these shores post-Brexit and long after Birmingham 2022. ”
South Africa is Africa 's manufacturing hub and the location of choice for many multi-nationals who see the country as a growing and supportive place for innovation, tech and fintech.
It also has favourable access to global markets through the African Continental Free Trade Area, which creates a bigger market of more than a billion people with a GDP of $2.6trillion.
Cecilia Albertyn, vice-president for membership and international networks at the British Chamber of Business in Southern Africa, said: “The British Chamber in Southern Africa is currently working on a number of partnerships and initiatives with countries who are keen to promote and support bilateral trade opportunities across the Commonwealth.
“We 're partnering with the Department for International Trade in Uganda on Sustainable Agri projects and supporting entrepreneurs in both South Africa and the UK in the booming tech and healthcare industries as we look forward to enhanced continental trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (ACFTA).
“We 're also uniting to celebrate sporting excellence next year at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham in 2022 and Business For Good.
“If you are looking to expand into the Southern African region, we 'd like to hear from you and share many tips on Doing Business In South Africa. ”
Find out more information about the Commonwealth Chamber.