The Minister of Trade and Industry, Dr Rob Davies, in support of Foreign Investment into South Africa participated in the Spanish Chamber Dialogues, a series of meetings with high profile and key decision makers within the country. This is the first of its kind between the Spanish Chamber and the Department of Trade and Industry (the dti) where members of the Chamber are given the opportunity to interact directly with Minister Davies.

The representative companies included Grupo Cobra - ACS, Sener, Amadeus, CaixaBank, Cato Group, Columbus Stainless, Iberdrola, Iberia, Ingeteam, TSK and Economic Development Solutions (EDS) to discuss topics of high interest. Some of the key topics discussed included the protection of foreign investment. This is an issue of concern to the Spanish business community as well as the business community and country at large.

The discussion also included the opportunities for foreign investment within the renewable energy, gas programme and tourism sector as well as a discussion on priority areas identified by the the dti for investment.

Minister Davies welcomed the frank discussion with the Spanish Chamber and encouraged them to further invest in South Africa as a visible investment destination. Furthermore, Minister Davies encouraged the Chamber to address their concerns with InvestSA.
Mr Jose Minguillon, Chairman of the Board, expressed that “it was a very productive engagement and we look forward to this encounter being the first of many.”

The Spanish Chamber was founded in 2013 with its main objective being the promotion of its members and the commercial, economic and industrial relations between Spain and South Africa. The Chamber received recognition from the Spanish government in 2014 and already boasts a strong membership.

Furthermore, the Chamber has a close working relationship with the European Union (EU) Chamber and hosts various events during the year in partnership with other EU Chamber members.

Enquiries: Sidwell Medupe-Departmental Spokespers on Tel: (012) 394 1650 Mobile: 079 492 1774 E-mail: MSMedupe@thedti.gov.za Issued by: The Department of Trade and Industry
Spanish Chamber of Commerce in RSA
Mobile: 074 033 1111
E-mail: cristina.a@spaincc.org