Minister Tau said that WEF provides an opportunity for government and business leaders to present SA in a new and accurate light.
Image: Parks Tau/X
The World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting is a platform for South Africa to show that it is addressing the challenges facing the economy, the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Parks Tau said.
The annual meeting will be held from January 20 to January 24 in Davos, Switzerland, with several ministers, civil society and business leaders from South Africa expected to attend.
The minister said that WEF provides an opportunity for government and business leaders to present SA in a new and accurate light.
“I think that there is a great prospect for us to ensure that we present the South African story for what it is, not what we hope it is, but what it is,” he explained.
“And it doesn't suggest that there aren’t difficulties in the country. We say we’re confronting the difficulties. We’re working on resolving the issues, growing the economy and addressing our challenges,” Tau added.
He emphasised that WEF is an important meeting and cannot be underestimated.
“If you look at the individual diaries of the individuals that would be there, it is quite extensive the number of people and influential business and government leaders that would be engaging,” the minister said.
“If you were to quantify the value of the engagements, I think it's quite extensive because the people that you would be engaging with (and they) would be looking at you as a potential investment destination or increasing their investments in the country.”
“Those would be one on one sessions that are quite invaluable,” Tau explained.
The WEF will be significant for South Africa, particularly as the country takes its spot at the forum bearing the Presidency of the Group of 20 (G20), according to Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana.
“This year’s WEF is particularly significant for South Africa. For the first time in many years, President Ramaphosa will lead the South African delegation,” he explained.
Godongwana said that this presents a golden opportunity to not only strengthen South Africa’s visibility on the world stage but to also profile our G20 Presidency.
“Under the theme of Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability, our G20 Presidency reflects the essence of South Africa’s vision for global leadership,” he added.
The minister said that Team South Africa will be presenting a united front at the WEF meeting.
“It is essential that we align our key messages to showcase our country’s strengths, address misconceptions and advance our collective priorities. By presenting a unified message, we can enhance South Africa’s standing and influence in the global community,” Godongwana said.
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