Whitfield Pledges to Strengthen SA-Ireland Trade Relations Amid Global Economic Shifts

Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Andrew Whitfield, commits to addressing declining trade between South Africa and Ireland, while exploring new avenues for growth and collaboration.

Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Andrew Whitfield, has reaffirmed his commitment to reversing the decline in trade relations between South Africa and Ireland. He also emphasized unlocking future opportunities to strengthen economic ties between the two nations.

Whitfield made these remarks during his address at the South Africa-Ireland Trade and Investment Round Table, held on the sidelines of a recent working visit to Dublin, Ireland.

“Our mission is to confront the challenges faced by investors,” Whitfield noted. “To ensure that pertinent issues are dealt with efficiently, we have brought a dedicated team from the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition to engage on matters ranging from visa processes to market access.”

He stressed that his team is working with urgency to make South Africa an attractive destination for Irish investors. “We are determined to navigate these challenges with urgency and commitment, ensuring that South Africa is not only an appealing destination for Irish investments but also a pivotal player in the broader African market," he added.

Whitfield urged both countries to seize the current moment and collaborate to unlock the vast economic potential that lies ahead.

The Deputy Minister visited Ireland as part of a delegation led by Deputy President Paul Mashatile, which sought to reinforce the historic and warm bilateral relations that have existed between South Africa and Ireland for over 30 years. This visit was seen as particularly timely, given the evolving global economic landscape and the need for both countries to explore new avenues for collaboration.

During the round table discussions, Whitfield engaged with a wide range of Irish companies that have already made significant investments in South Africa, as well as those looking to enter the market. He also highlighted the mutual benefits of further developing South Africa’s knowledge economy, driving innovation, and increasing trade and investment.

Whitfield expressed admiration for Ireland's transition into a knowledge-driven economy, noting that South Africa could learn valuable lessons from Ireland's success in this area. “This extraordinary knowledge economy serves as a valuable opportunity for South Africa to learn from,” he said, adding that fostering innovation could be a key driver in addressing South Africa's socio-economic challenges.

In his address, Whitfield emphasized the importance of deepening trade ties to tackle South Africa’s pressing issues, including poverty, unemployment, and inequality. He noted that the Government of National Unity, which was formed four months ago, has set ambitious goals for achieving rapid, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth. “By working together, we can create an environment that encourages job creation and economic stability," Whitfield stated.

Whitfield also called for continued knowledge-sharing between the two countries, emphasizing that Ireland’s experiences could offer valuable insights for South Africa as it strives to overcome its challenges.

Following their visit to Ireland, Deputy President Mashatile and Deputy Minister Whitfield have proceeded to the United Kingdom. The UK visit will focus on showcasing South Africa as a prime investment destination and identifying new trade opportunities for the nation.