The Roscongress International business Communication Area has become a platform for thematic discussion

A discussion on "Russia–South Africa: Business and investment cooperation" took place at the Roscongress International Business Communication Zone within the framework of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum. The event was organized by the Russia–South Africa Business Council with the support of the Roscongress Foundation under the Roscongress International brand. The discussion became an integral component of the participation program of the Republic of South Africa as a partner of the Roscongress International Business Communication Zone, where the country was represented by a national stand.

A wide range of issues related to business and investment relations between Russia and South Africa were discussed during the discussion. The high level of participants highlighted the exceptional attention paid by business circles and government officials to the development of cooperation between the two countries.

The discussion was moderated by Alexander Kalinin, President of the All-Russian Public Organization of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises OPORA ROSSII. The event was opened by expert presentations by Alexander Kozlov, Minister of Natural Resources and Ecology of the Russian Federation, and Paksa Tau, Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition of the Republic of South Africa.

Pavel Yakovlev, Chairman of the Russian part of the Russia–South Africa Business Council, CEO of JSC AZ URAL, shared the experience of the Business Council in supporting Russian-South African business cooperation. In particular, the council held more than 20 business events, including business missions to South Africa and Mozambique, ensured the participation of the Russian Igor Butman quartet in the international jazz festival in Cape Town, and also assisted a South African company in purchasing Russian alcoholic beverages, including vodka. In addition, Pavel Yakovlev spoke about the plans of the Ural plant to open an assembly plant for trucks in the Republic of South Africa and about ongoing negotiations with South African partners.

Chairman of the South African part of the Russia–South Africa Business Council, President of the Black Business Council, Elias Monage, noted in his speech that relations between Russia and South Africa are dynamically developing in both bilateral and multilateral formats, such as BRICS and the Business Twenty (B20). According to him, the Republic of South Africa serves as an entry point to the markets of the African continent and, thanks to its developed infrastructure and financial system, contributes to regional integration and economic development of Africa. Mr. Monage emphasized the importance of partnership between the Russian and South African parts of the Russia–South Africa Business Council and the high result achieved through joint work.

The speech of the Vice-President of the Republic of South Africa, Paul Mashatile, who made a concluding speech, gave special significance and depth to the discussion. He paid special attention to the development of commercial relations between the two countries, and also stressed that the Republic of South Africa highly appreciates friendly relations with the Russian Federation. According to him, South Africa's participation in the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum reflects the country's desire to deepen cooperation in trade, investment and industry.

Mr. Mashatile stressed the willingness to promote mutual trade and eliminate trade barriers in sectors such as agriculture, consumer goods, automotive components and pharmaceutical products. In his opinion, Russian and South African importers, distributors and retail chains should open new sales channels that meet consumer demand, such as premium fresh food and beverages, including alcoholic beverages. They should work to remove barriers to trade flows, as well as actively participate in joint business missions and exhibitions that will strengthen commercial ties, expand the range of goods and services, and create new investment opportunities.

In conclusion, Paul Mashatile, Vice President of the Republic of South Africa, thanked the Roscongress Foundation for its assistance in organizing the South African stand at the Roscongress International Business Communication Zone and congratulated on the successful opening of this significant project. He also noted the special role of the Russia–South Africa Business Council in supporting trade, economic and investment cooperation between the two countries.

After the discussion "Russia – South Africa: business and investment cooperation", a tasting of South African wines took place.