Belgium's King Philippe and Queen Mathilde arrive at the Beka Schreder factory in Olifantsfontein, Gauteng.
Photo by: Creamer Media's Simone Liedtke
As part of their recent State visit, Belgium’s King Philippe and Queen Mathilde, along with their delegation and South African State dignitaries, visited lighting manufacturer Beka Schréder’s head office and factory, in Olifantsfontein, Gauteng, last week.
The State visit to South Africa, which spanned from March 22 to 27, sought to revitalise economic relations between South Africa and Belgium.
The visit to Beka Schréder’s factory on March 24 was significant, considering that parent company Schréder is a Belgian company with investments in South Africa and local manufacturing and corporate social investment (CSI) projects.
During the visit, Schréder CEO Werner de Wolf, Schréder board member Agnes Keutgen, regional director South and sub-Saharan Africa Daniel Kasper and human resources director Carmen Amurjeeth showcased the company’s services and products to the Belgian delegation.
The visit was well received by all parties, Beka Schréder marketing and segment development manager Grant Combrink confirmed to Engineering News & Mining Weekly.
The State visit also provided an opportunity for Belgian companies to explore investment opportunities in South Africa, and for South African companies to explore new business opportunities in Belgium.
As a leading Belgian company with a significant presence in South Africa, Schréder was well positioned to play a key role in promoting economic ties between the two countries, Combrink said, noting that the company's commitment to local manufacturing and CSI projects further underscored its commitment to the South African market.
Overall, he said, the State visit by the Belgian royal family was expected to have a lasting impact on bilateral relations and economic ties between South Africa and Belgium, with “Schréder "well positioned to play a key role in this process”.