Dubai Chambers has explored opportunities to strengthen trade and investment relations with South Africa’s Western Cape province during a meeting with Alan Winde, Premier of the Western Cape.
The discussions held on the sidelines of the Dubai Chamber of Commerce’s trade mission to Cape Town focused on enhancing economic cooperation, supporting business partnerships, and creating new opportunities for companies in both markets.
The meeting was attended by Salem AlShamsi, Executive Vice President of International Relations at Dubai Chambers.
The chamber outlined the opportunities available for South African companies to expand into regional and international markets through Dubai, while also emphasizing the emirate’s role in facilitating cross-border trade, investment, and business partnerships.
Alan Winde said that the Western Cape is committed to expanding trade relations with the UAE, particularly Dubai, and strengthening economic links between the two regions.
“The Western Cape is committed to deepening and expanding trade relations with the UAE, particularly Dubai, as we build new bridges of opportunity between our regions,” Winde said.
Winde identified renewable energy, agri-processing, technology, and infrastructure among the sectors with strong potential for cooperation. He added that the Western Cape offers a stable business environment, modern infrastructure, a skilled workforce, and a proven record in attracting investment.
Salem AlShamsi reaffirmed Dubai Chambers’ commitment to strengthening economic engagement with businesses in the Western Cape and across South Africa. He emphasized the importance of identifying new opportunities for cooperation across key sectors and facilitating investments that support the interests of both markets.
AlShamsi said that stronger private-sector partnerships can contribute to expanding bilateral trade, encouraging investment, and creating new opportunities for business growth. He added that strategic cooperation between companies in Dubai and South Africa can support long-term economic collaboration across sectors of mutual interest.
AlShamsi also highlighted the significance of the Dubai Chamber of Commerce’s trade mission to South Africa, which includes a delegation of Dubai-based companies seeking to explore commercial opportunities and partnerships in the market.
According to AlShamsi, South Africa was Dubai’s fifth-largest trading partner in Africa last year, reflecting the growing importance of the market for the emirate’s business community. He described South Africa as a strategic economic partner with strong growth potential and noted that the Western Cape is a major economic hub with strengths across several priority industries, particularly food trade.
