Finance and Economic Opportunities

Question by: 
Hon Cameron Dugmore
Answered by: 
Hon Mireille Wenger
Question Number: 
19
Question Body: 

For the period during which Mr Alan Winde was the Minister of this Department (2009–2014 and 2014–2018):

(a)  How many official trips or delegations related to the Western Cape Provincial Parliament or to departmental business did he gone on, (b) what was the purpose of the delegation’s travel, (c) which committee or department organised the trip for the delegation, (d) where did the delegation go (to which country and/or province), (e)(i) what was the duration of the trip, (ii) which locations were visited and (iii) how many days or nights were spent at each location, (f)(i) which officials were met during the delegation’s visit, (ii) which meetings were scheduled and (iii) which meetings were actually attended, (g) what are the names of the other MPPs and/or Ministers and Western Cape Government officials who were part of the delegation and (h) what were the outcomes of each of these delegations in benefit to the province as applicable?

Answer Body: 

As the Provincial Minister responsible for Economic Opportunities, Alan Winde played a leading role in promoting tourism, trade and investment to the Western Cape as part of his focus on facilitating economic growth and job creation. This remains our top priority today.

This promotion was done in terms of the shared Constitutional competency that provinces have in this regard, so that economic growth could be facilitated to the benefit of the Western Cape and South Africa.

This Economic Diplomacy for the province was also important to promote the Western Cape as a business-friendly destination given the national context of declining business confidence.

I have been advised, as set out in the tables below, of the following international trips undertaken by Alan Winde as Minister of Economic Opportunities between 2009 and 2018.[1]

                                                                                                                                          

 

VISIT TO PARIS AND BOURGOGNE-FRANCE-COMTE, 29 June until 08 July 2018

TRIP DETAILS

Organiser

[Department]

Department of the Premier [Bourgogne-France-Comte leg] and Wesgro [Paris leg]

Delegation

 
  •  3 WCG officials

Purpose
  • Promote the Western Cape as a Trade, Tourism and Investment Destination in France
  • Strengthen the bilateral relations with Bourgogne-France-Comte [B-F-C]

Destination
  1. Paris, 30 June until 03 July 2018 & 07 July 2018 [02 working days]
  2. Dijon, 03 until 06 July 2018 [4 working days]

MEETING DETAILS

Organisation & official met
  1. South African Ambassador to France
  2. MEDEF
  3. Fives Group [organised by the South African Embassy in Paris]
  4. La French Tech
  5. Ministry for Agriculture
  6. Le Groupe Bel
  7. Joon Airlines
  8. Regional Council of B-F-C
  9. Beaune CFPPA
  10. Climats of Burgundy
  11. ENIL BESANçON-MAMIROLLE
  12. Vice-president of Regional Council of B-F-C in charge of Agriculture
  13. Chévrerie des Hautes Côtes [Family wine and goat cheese farm]
  14. Domaine Dubois
  15. “Les Climats en fête” event
  16. “Ferme Fruirouge” [Red berries producing and processing farm

Outcomes pursued & benefits

The primary aim of the visit was to promote the Western Cape as preferred Trade, Tourism and Investment destination in France through meeting with several entities such as Business France, MEDEF, BPI France. One of the key outcomes was a stronger working relationship with La French Tech, which launched a successful incubator in Cape Town. 

The visit also resulted in the signing of a new twinning arrangement with Bourgogne-Franche-Comte [B-F-C].  The cooperation with B-F-C is one of the province’s long standing twinning arrangements.  Key successes under the twinning arrangement is the training provided to farm and cellar workers [viticulture training] and workers in the cheese industry.  

 

 

ATTENDANCE OF 9TH REGIONAL LEADERS’ SUMMIT, 16 until 18 May 2018

TRIP DETAILS

Organiser

[Department]

Department of the Premier

Delegation

 
  •  Premier, 3 WCG officials

Purpose
  • Attendance of the 9th Regional Leaders’ Summit 

Destination

Quebec City, Canada, 16 until 18 May 2018 [3 working days]

MEETING DETAILS

Organisation & official met
  1. Governor of Quebec
  2. São Paulo State Secretary for the Environment
  3. Georgia Commissioner for Economic Development
  4. Bavaria Minister for the Digital Agenda, Media and Europe
  5. Upper Austria Minister of Health
  6. Hydro-Quebec
  7. Nordic Institute of Quebec

Outcomes pursued & benefits

The purpose of the visit was to attend the 9th Regional Leaders’ Summit.  The bulk of the Western Cape’s international engagements took place within the ambit of the Regional Leaders’ Forum.  The 9th forum took place under the theme “Energy Transition:  Towards a Low-carbon Economy”.   The visit also presented the Western Cape with an opportunity to strengthen its bilateral relations with its partner regions, bearing in mind that the bulk of the Western Cape’s international engagements happens within the ambit of the Regional Leaders forum.  The visit also resulted in the signing of an agreement between GreenCape and Ecotech Quebec to promote business to business relations in the Green Economy.    

 

 

VISIT TO THE UNITED KINGDOM AND THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES, 04 until 10 November 2017

TRIP DETAILS

Organiser

[Department]

Department of Economic Development and Tourism and Wesgro

Delegation in addition to Minister Winde

 
  • 3 WCG officials

Purpose
  • Attendance of the World Travel Market [WTM]
  • Visit desalination plant in Masdar, UAE.  

Destination
  • London, United Kingdom, 05 until 08 November 2017[2] [4 working days]
  • Masdar City, UAE, 09 until 10 November 2017 [1 working day]

MEETING DETAILS

Organisation & official met
  1. WTM dinner
  2. Nelson Mandela Foundation and Thebe Group Tourism breakfast
  3. UK Dept of International Trade [DIT[3]
  4. UK Halaal Food Authority[4]
  5. Pacific Asia Travel Association dinner [PATA]
  6. PATA engagement
  7. Radio Festival[5]
  8. World Travel Tourism Council [WTTC] dinner
  9. Pinewood Film Studios visit
  10. Attendance of various presentations / sessions at the WTM
  11. Activation of Old vines project
  12. Panelist:  Responsible Tourism panel
  13. UK water specialists meeting [Government, academia, and research institutes]
  14. Courtesy call, Lord St John
  15. Mascara desalination pilot facility
  16. Masdar City Special Economic Zone
  17. Site visits to Masdar City
    1. Sea water recycling for usage in fish farming supply
    2. Krypto labs [integrated densification – live, work, play model]
    3. Masdar – Business development agency [Halaal exports to UAE]

Outcomes pursued & benefits

The delegation attended the WTM, on the invitation of the Nelson Mandela Foundation and the Thebe group.  Meetings were attended and participated [Minister Winde was a panellist during a session on Responsible Tourism] in to promote the Western Cape as a premier tourism destination.  A 9-bedroom boutique hotel [Mandela Presidential centre] was also launched during the event. In addition, various engagement took place on the margin of the WTM with global stakeholders regarding the promotion of the WC as a global Halaal source market, including for Asia and the UK.  Discussions were also entered into regarding the formalisation of a trade agreement between the DIT UK and the Western Cape, bearing in mind the strategic importance of the UK as a market for the province.  Furthermore, lessons learned were also shared and implemented as far as the UK’s handling of past droughts were concerned, particularly the usage of technology therein.   Lastly, discussions were entered into with Pinewood Film studios regarding the reignition of the Themba Sibeko project with the Cape Point Film Studio.

In the UAE, the delegation experienced first-hand the possibilities offered by desalination plants and the usage of solar energy therein.  Discussions were also entered into with the Masdar City Special Economic Zone regarding its offering and its marketing strategy.  Lastly discussions were entered into with relevant experts regarding potential linkages for Halaal exports into the UAE.  

 

 

VISIT TO:  UNITED KINGDOM, 20 until 28 May 2017

TRIP DETAILS

Organiser

[Department]

Wesgro

Delegation

 
  •  1 WCG official

Purpose
  • Promote the Western Cape as Trade, Tourism and Investment destination [in light of Brexit] 

Destination
  1. London, 21 until 25 May 2017 [5 working days][6]
  2. Edinburgh, 25 until 26 May 2017 [1 working day]

MEETING DETAILS

Organisation & official met
  1. South African High Commission
  2. Business Tourism, Trade and Investment Seminar
  3. Minister for Africa
  4. Wine & Spirit Trade Association
  5. Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council [CWEIC]
  6. Department for International Trade [DIT] Ministerial Strategy Directorate
  7. Brexit Policy Unit, DIT
  8. Address at Chatham house [Upskilling of Small Businesses in Africa]
  9.  Fintech Circle
  10. London Wine Fair
  11. Evening cocktail / dinner with investors
  12. Virgin Airlines
  13. Agrimoney LIVE Conference
  14. Africa All Party Parliamentary Group [APPG]
  15. Transport for London
  16. Digital nomad event
  17. UK Minister of State for Trade and Investment
  18. Meeting with renewable energy and green economy stakeholders and investors in London
  19. Site visit at EON Reality Centre Manchester
  20. Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce
  21. Minister for UK Negotiations on Scotland’s Place in Europe
  22. Scottish Enterprise

Outcomes pursued & benefits

Due to Brexit, the aim of the visit was to maintain the province’s market share in the UK from a Trade, Tourism and Investment perspective, and look for growth opportunities in high growth sectors.  The UK has traditionally been an important market for the province and the intention was to speak to key political interlocutors wielding influence in the UK government as far as UK-SA investment opportunities are concerned.  In addition, discussions were also entered into with potential investors in the Renewable Energy and Oil and gas sectors [promoting the offering of the Saldanha Bay IDZ] as well as key players in the tourism industry.  Discussions were also entered into with Virgin Airlines regarding a direct flight into Cape Town.  Similar discussions also took place with key interlocutors in Scotland, including with the Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce.

 

 

VISIT TO THE UNITED STATES, 10 until 20 October 2016

TRIP DETAILS

Organiser

[Department]

Wesgro

Delegation

 
  •   1 WCG official

Purpose
  • Promote the Western Cape as Trade, Tourism and Investment destination, including Film
  • Attendance of IMEX America

Destination
  1. Los Angeles, 11 until 12 October 2016 [2 working days]
  2. San Francisco, 13 until 15 October 2016 [3 working days]
  3. Las Vegas, 16 until 18 October 2016 [2 working days]

MEETING DETAILS

Organisation & official met
  1. NBC Universal Cable Entertainment / Comcast
  2. Warner Brothers Pictures / Studios
  3. Walt Disney Studios
  4. LA Film industry networking event
  5. IDEO.org
  6. Sequoia Capital
  7. Facebook
  8. AirBnB
  9. Black Chamber of Silicon Valley[7] 
  10. Stanford University
  11. Regen Villages
  12. The SABLE Accelerator
  13. Networking event hosted by Mr L Seeff
  14. Manzana Products Co.
  15. Attendance of IMEX America [various sessions and various stakeholders engaged with] 

Outcomes pursued & benefits

Even though the main purpose of the visit was to attend the IMEX America, a global exhibition for the MICE industry [incentive travel, meetings and events], the visit also presented opportunities to promote the Western Cape as preferred Trade, Tourism and Investment destination.  In particular, the visit promoted the Western Cape as a preferred film destination by engaging with stakeholders regarding the offering of the province and obtain an understanding of the impediments / challenges experienced by the industry preventing them from utilising the province as a destination.  Discussions were also entered into and valuable insighted gained with stakeholders regarding positioning the Western Cape as a Technology and Innovation Hub for Africa. These insights influenced the strategic thinking of the province in positioning the province as a technology and innovation hub.  Stakeholders were also engaged regarding design initiatives.   

 

 

VISIT TO THE PEOPLES’ REPUBLIC OF CHINA, 07 until 15 November 2015

TRIP DETAILS

Organiser

[Department]

Department of the Premier and Wesgro

Delegation
  •  Premier, 1 MEC, 5 WCG officials

Purpose
  • Promote the Western Cape as Trade, Tourism and Investment destination

Destination
  1. Hong Kong, 08 until 10 November 2015 [2 working days]
  2. Shanghai, 11 until 12 November 2015 [2 working days]
  3. Beijing, 13 until 15 November 2015 [2 working day][8]

MEETING DETAILS

Organisation & official met
  1. SA businesses in Hong Kong
  2. Consul Political at the South African Consulate-General in Hong Kong
  3. Chinese General Chamber of Commerce
  4. Shanghai Xendai Property Group
  5. CGN MeiYa Power Co.
  6. Hong Kong Trade Development Council
  7. South African Consul-General in Shanghai and WOSA
  8. Attendance:  Food and Hotel China
  9. Acebright
  10. SA-China Business networking session
  11. BRICS Bank
  12. Jinko Solar[9]
  13. Shanghai Free Trade Zone
  14. Perfect China
  15. JM Ocean Avenue
  16. South African Embassy in Beijing
  17. China Air
  18. Longyuan Power Group
  19. HISENSE

Outcomes pursued & benefits

The primary aim of the visit was to promote the Western Cape as preferred Trade, Tourism and Investment destination in China by meeting with industry bodies and companies in Hong Kong, Shanghai and Beijing, which was covered extensively by media in China.  The delegation participated in the Food and Hotel China and PROWINE China, the premium show for the hospitality industry in China and which was frequented by several wineries from the province.  A meeting also took place with Perfect China, the biggest importer of wine into China from the Western Cape to obtain a sense of what could be done to increase exports into China.    The visit presented an opportunity to hear first-hand challenges experienced by tour operators, companies and industry bodies wanting to invest in South Africa and vice versa, in sectors such as Tourism, Agriculture, Film sector, Construction and Manufacturing to mention but a few.  The visit also presented opportunities to promote the offering of the SBIDZ as well as the ASEZ, as far as Oil and Gas and Renewable Energy were concerned, including Longyuan Power Group and Jinko Solar which are currently based in Cape Town.

Lastly discussions were entered into with Air China regarding increased air access into the province. 

 

 

VISIT TO ANGOLA, 26 until 28 April 2015

TRIP DETAILS

Organiser

[Department]

Department of the Premier

Delegation

 
  •  Premier, 3 WCG officials

Purpose
  • Promote the Western Cape as Trade, Tourism and Investment destination
  • Explore closer cooperation with Province of Luanda

Destination

Luanda, 26 until 28 September 2011 [3 working days][10]

MEETING DETAILS

Organisation & official met
  1. South African Embassy
  2. Governor of Luanda [including government officials and businesses]
  3. Ministry of Agriculture
  4. Networking event
  5. Ministry of Hotels and Tourism

Outcomes pursued & benefits

The visit presented an opportunity to engage with the stakeholders in Angola to explore closer cooperation with the Western Cape.  The visit was a result of an invitation received from the governor of Luanda following previous visits by Wesgro, the Western Cape Government, DTI, Trade and Investment KwaZulu-Natal to Angola. The objective of the visit was to explore closer ties between the Western Cape and the Luanda Province, Angola. The visit also allowed the WCG to engage with strategic counterparts and created a platform for businesses to advance their interests in the Angolan market.  A clear sense was also obtained of the opportunities in the Angolan market as well as possible impediments to increased business relations including in the Tourism and Hospitality, Agriculture, Energy and Construction sectors.  A follow-up visit by the Minister of Tourism was subsequently facilitated by the Western Cape.

 

 

VISIT TO THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES [UAE] AND MALAYSIA, 27 March until 03 April 2015

TRIP DETAILS

Organiser

[Department]

Wesgro

Delegation

 
  •  1 WCG official

Purpose
  • Attend the Annual Investment Meeting Congress [AIM]
  • Promote the Western Cape as Trade, Tourism and Investment destination, including the Halaal industry
  • Exchange of best practices regarding trading in horses

Destination
  • UAE, 27 March until 01 April 2015 [5 working days][11]
  • Malaysia, 02 April until 03 April 2015 [1 working day]

MEETING DETAILS

Organisation & official met
  1. Cape Thoroughbred Sales
  2. International Thoroughbred Solutions
  3. eDiamond Dynamic eMarket Negotiations
  4. Avontuur
  5. Serento Stud
  6. Kerzner International
  7. Meydan City Corporation
  8. Ministry of the Economy
  9. DMCC Tea Centre [Agri-processing Hub]
  10. Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing
  11. Ruler of Dubai / UAE Vice President
  12. Monjasa Holdings
  13. DDG of DTI
  14. Secretary General of International Chamber of Commerce
  15. Tamrich Tours
  16. Consulate-General of South Africa in Dubai
  17. South African High Commission of SA in Malaysia
  18. MIGHT Technology Nurturing
  19. Halaal Industrial Development Cooperation [HDC]
  20. Denel Soc Ltd
  21. Western Cape Fine Foods Initiative
  22. Malaysian Ministry of International Trade and Industry

Outcomes pursued & benefits

The primary purpose of the visit was to attend the AIM congress, the premier investment conference in the UAE.  In addition, the delegation explored closer collaboration regarding the export of horses into the UAE, including identifying blockages and ways of circumventing it.  Similar discussions also took place regarding the direct exportation of diamonds from the Western Cape [currently done via Gauteng]. A clearer sense was also obtained regarding opportunities [Agricultural products] and hinderances to closer trade relations, including existing visa regime, etc. This also applied to tourism opportunities, including the development of joint marketing strategies and programmes with relevant stakeholders, learn best practices from Dubai regarding their tourism promotion strategy, etc.      

In addition, Minister Winde witnesses the signing of a Declaration of Intent between the Western Cape Fine Foods Initiative [WCFFI] and the Halal Industrial Development Cooperation [HDC] regarding investment in an Halaal Industrial Park in Cape Town.  Discussions were also entered into with the Malaysia Industry-Government Group for High-Technology regarding the establishment of a Halaal Industrial Hub in the Western Cape.  

 

 

VISIT TO THE NETHERLANDS, 03 until 08 June 2013

TRIP DETAILS

Organiser

[Department]

Department of Economic Development and Tourism

Delegation

 
  •  2 WCG officials

Purpose
  • Promote the Western Cape as Trade, Tourism and Investment destination, including cycle-tourism
  • Exchange of best practices with the Innovation and Technology sector in the Netherlands
  • Explore opportunities regarding agri-business

Destination

Netherlands, 04 until 08 June 2013 [4 working days]

MEETING DETAILS

Organisation & official met
  1. South African Embassy
  2. Glen Blue International BV
  3. Medical Knowledge Institute
  4. Dutch Cycling Embassy
  5. Commission for Foreign Investments
  6. Maandblad Zuid-Afrika
  7. Chief Financial Officers [CFO] Conference
  8. Brainport Eindhoven
  9. Omroep Braband
  10. Eindhoven Design Academy
  11. Dutch importers of South African Wine
  12. Newly appointed Consul-General of Netherlands in Cape Town
  13. SANEC Members [Business cocktail]
  14. Director-General of Foreign Economic Relations, Ministry of Foreign Affairs
  15. Netherlands Agro Food & Technology Centre [NAFTC] and companies
  16. South African Tourism Netherlands Country Manager

Outcomes pursued & benefits

The visit provided the WCG with a better understanding of the business-to-business relations between the Netherlands and South Africa and how the Western Cape can strategically position itself to benefit optimally from this relationship from a Trade, Tourism and Investment promotion perspective.  Significant media coverage was also enjoyed during the visit, assisting in the promotion of the province.  The meetings also enable the Western Cape to identify blockages preventing closer business relations and undertake efforts to eliminate those, bearing in mind the strategic importance of the Netherlands for the WC as a market. 

Exchange of best practice and know-how took place with the Dutch Cycling Embassy [Cycling and Cycling tourism], Brainport Eindhoven [Innovation and Technology, in particular how the Western Cape could position itself as an Innovation and Tech hub on the African continent], Eindhoven Design Academy [Creative industries]. 

 

 

VISIT TO THE UNITED KINGDOM AND GERMANY, 30 September until 06 October 2012

TRIP DETAILS

Organiser

[Department]

Department of the Premier

Delegation
  •  Premier, 5 WCG officials

Purpose
  • Promote the Western Cape as Trade, Tourism and Investment destination
  • Deliver address at G3 Good Governance Group

Destination
  1. London, 01 until 04 October 2012 [4 working days]
  2. Munich, 04 until 06 October 2012 [2 working days][12]

MEETING DETAILS

Organisation & official met
  1. Old Mutual PLC
  2. SA Chambers of Commerce in UK
  3. International Synergies Ltd.
  4. South African High Commission in London
  5. Former Lord Mayor of London
  6. G3 Good Governance Group
  7. South African High Commissioner in London
  8. Capita PLC
  9. Chatham house, various [Address delivered]
  10. Morgan Stanley, various [investment breakfast]
  11. British Foreign and Commonwealth office [Africa]
  12. Under Secretary of State of Business, Innovation and Skills
  13. VisitBritain
  14. CityUK
  15. Lord Mayor of the City of London
  16. Interviews [CNN Global Exchange, SABC, Economist Africa, Financial Times]
  17. Bavarian State Minister for European Affairs
  18. Bavarian State Minister for Economic Affairs, Infrastructure, Transport and Technology
  19. Lufthansa airlines
  20. Tour operators in Bavaria
  21. Organisers of the Oktoberfest

Outcomes pursued & benefits

The aim of the visit was to promote the Western Cape as a preferred Trade, Tourism and Investment destination, bearing in mind the events that unfolded at Marikana and the potential impact it could have on the image of South Africa as a destination.  As such, the visit presented an opportunity to allay the fears of investors regarding the attractiveness of the province as a destination through meetings with investors [in various guises and forms] as well as interviews conducted.  The visit also presented an opportunity to exchange best practices with entities such as International Synergies Ltd, e.g. the lessons learned regarding the industrial symbiosis process implemented by International Synergies informed the functions of the delivery unit implemented in the office of the Premier.  Exchange of best practice was also entered into with VisitBritain regarding campaigns they ran to optimise the attractiveness of the country as a destination follow the Olympics.

The visit to Bavaria presented an opportunity to further strengthen the bilateral relations with the Free State of Bavaria, a partner region of the province, particularly from an economic development perspective.  Discussions were entered into with tour operators in Bavaria regarding their offering to tourists in the Western Cape and impediments to increasing the tourism numbers from Germany. 

Lastly, discussions were entered into with Lufthansa regarding direct flights between Munich and Cape Town, following the announcement of the cancellation of these flights by SAA.  Lufthansa initiated direct flights from October 2012 and a better understanding of their business case was obtained.

 

 

VISIT TO THE UNITED STATES, 15 until 19 April 2012

TRIP DETAILS

Organiser

[Department]

Department of Economic Development and Tourism

Delegation
  •  2 WCG officials

Purpose
  • Promote the Western Cape as Trade, Tourism and Investment destination
  • Explore alternatives to Free Trade Zones
  • Explore opportunities regarding Renewable Energy Innovation
  • Explore closer collaboration with the State of Florida

Destination
  1. Florida, 14 until 17 April 2012;
  2. Washington, 18 until 19 April 2012.

MEETING DETAILS

Organisation & official met
  1.  Enterprise Florida [Africa Trade programme] and South African Associate of Business Communities [SAABC
  2. Miami Dade County business representatives [roundtable]
  3. International Economic Forum of the Americas [luncheon conference]
  4. Government of Florida
  5. Enterprise Florida
  6. Government of Florida
  7. Visit Florida and Workforce Florida
  8. University of Florida [Proton Therapy Institute]
  9. South African Embassy in Washington
  10. US Chamber of Commerce
  11. Corporate Council on Africa
  12. Office of the US Trade Representative for Africa
  13. US Department of Energy [Advanced Research Projects Agency – Energy programme]

Outcomes pursued & benefits

The main purpose of the visit was to promote trade and investment between the US and the province [including with Florida], investigate alternatives for Free Trade Zones and explore opportunities for Renewable Energy innovation.  Discussions were entered with several industry bodies including the US Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise Florida, etc. as well as with senior officials within the US Government, e.g. with the Department of Energy regarding opportunities re renewable energy, etc. The potential for investment in the Business Process Outsourcing in the Western Cape were highlighted as an opportunity.  Direct air access was highlighted as an inhibitor for increase business linkages with the province. 

 

 

ATTENDANCE OF 6TH REGIONAL LEADERS’ SUMMIT [BRAZIL], 10 until 14 April 2012

TRIP DETAILS

Organiser

[Department]

Department of the Premier

Delegation
  •  Premier, 10 WCG officials

Purpose
  • Attendance of the 6th Regional Leaders’ Summit 

Destination
  1. Sao Paulo, 10 until 12 April 2012 [3 working days]
  2. Rio de Janeiro, 12 until 13 April 2012 [1 working day]

MEETING DETAILS

Organisation & official met
  1. Naspers [lunch], various
  2. Governor of Quebec
  3. Governor of Sao Paulo
  4. Georgia Lieutenant Governor
  5. Governor of Bavaria
  6. Vice Governor of Shandong
  7. Governor of Upper Austria
  8. State Secretary for Tourism
  9. Donna Marta UPP [Site visit[13]
  10. Rio Yacht club, Commodore of Rio Yacht club
  11. Governor of the State of Rio de Janeiro[14]
  12. Attendance of Rio Boat Show 

Outcomes pursued & benefits

The purpose of the visit was to attend the 9th Regional Leaders’ Summit.  The bulk of the Western Cape’s international engagements take place within the ambit of the Regional Leaders’ Forum.  The 9th forum took place under the theme “Energy Transition:  Towards a Low-carbon Economy”. 

In addition, exchanges took place with the Government in Rio de Janeiro regarding their pacification programme [safety and security initiative in the favelas] as well as opportunities for closer collaboration as far as tourism are concerned.  Discussions were also entered into with the organisers of the Rio Boat Show, bearing in mind that the boat building sector was growing in the province.  Lastly discussions were entered into with the Royal Yacht club in Rio de Janeiro, one of the co-organisers of the Cape to Rio yacht race. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

VISIT TO NAMIBIA, 24 and 25 January 2012

TRIP DETAILS

Organiser

[Department]

Department of the Premier

Delegation
  •  Premier, 2 WCG officials

Purpose
  • Exchange of best practices from the Khomas region regarding economic zone where liquor beverages are sold [high street model] and enforcement of non-compliance of outlets

Destination
  1. Namibia, 24 and 25 January 2012 [1 working day]

MEETING DETAILS

Organisation & official met
  1. Khomas regional government
  2. Self-Regulating Alcohol Industry Forum [SAIF]
  3. Field trips [Single quarters, Eveline Street and Bonn Street]
  4. Roundtable with media
  5. Cocktail reception hosted by South African High Commission

Outcomes pursued & benefits

The WCG was exploring the possibility of implementing a “high street model”, which limits the selling of liquor to specific areas.  The visit to Namibia enabled the WCG to see the system implemented in an area similar to what would be experienced in areas in the Western Cape [urban area].  The Western Cape benefitted from engaging with various stakeholders involved in the implementation of liquor legislation in Namibia, and the lessons learned influenced the Western Cape in its approach as far as the high street model was concerned. 

 

 

VISIT TO SINGAPORE, 16 until 21 October 2011

TRIP DETAILS

Organiser

[Department]

Department of Economic Development and Tourism

Delegation
  •  3 WCG officials

Purpose
  • Explore best practice in terms of an Economic Development Agency
  • Economic Development and Investment opportunities
  • Planning and Infrastructure development as a driver of Economic Development
  • Oil and Gas opportunities
  • Tourism, Commercial Arts and Entertainment
  • Air Access
  • Attendance of ITB Asia

Destination
  1. Singapore, 16 until 21 October 2011 [4 working days]

MEETING DETAILS

Organisation & official met
  1. South African High Commission
  2. Singapore Airlines
  3. Singapore Ministry of Trade and Industry
  4. Pricewater House Coopers
  5. Jurong Consultants
  6. International Enterprise
  7. Toll Offshore Petroleum Services
  8. Hyflux
  9. Keppel Fel Offshore and Marine
  10. Sembcorp Industries, Messrs. D Goh
  11. Spotlight Singapore
  12. ITB Asia Breakfast
  13. IDA International

Outcomes pursued & benefits

The visit assisted with promotion of the Western Cape as a preferred tourist destination through exhibiting at the ITB Asia, engaging with top Asian tour operators and other global players as well as attending a Spotlight Singapore high-level networking function.  As a result of the Spotlight Singapore event, DEDAT’s Cape Catalyst unit liaised with Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore [IDA] and a 2-day workshop were held in the Western Cape during December 2012.  The WCG further engaged with key stakeholders in the Singaporean Oil and Gas sector [one of the leaders globally] and the lessons learned were implemented in the Western Cape’s approach in promoting the sector in the province.  Lastly the visit also resulted in the WC [DEDAT and Wesgro] participating in the Africa Singapore Business Forum that took place in August 2012, including the hosting of a Cape Fair with the Ministry of Trade and Industry [MTI] and the South African High Commission in Singapore. 

 

 

VISIT TO ANGOLA, 25 until 28 September 2011

TRIP DETAILS

Organiser

[Department]

Wesgro, in collaboration with Trade and Investment KwaZulu/Natal [TIKZN] and DTI 

Delegation
  •  2 WCG officials

Purpose
  • Promote the Western Cape as Trade, Tourism and Investment destination
  • Participate in the South Africa-Angola Business Forum

Destination
  1. Angola, 25 until 28 September 2011 [4 working days][15]

MEETING DETAILS

Organisation & official met
  1. Legal Counsel Firm [LCF
  2. South African Embassy
  3. Vice Governor of Economic Development of Luanda
  4. Angolan import companies [Intramuros and Cassaforma]
  5. South Africa-Angola Business Forum
  6. Deputy Minister of Trade
  7. Angola National Agency for Private Investment [ANIP]
  8. Omnia

Outcomes pursued & benefits

The WCG obtained a clearer understanding of business opportunities in Angola, including blockages that prevented stronger trade and investment relations. Opportunities for closer collaboration were also explored as far as the SBIDZ was concerned regarding the servicing of oil rigs, Construction, Agri-processing, tourism and education.  Discussions were also entered into regarding ANIP and Wesgro forging a closer working relationship to promote business-to-business linkages.  

 

 

VISIT TO SAUDI ARABIA AND THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES, 09 until 15 December 2010

TRIP DETAILS

Organiser

[Department]

Wesgro, in collaboration with Trade and Investment KwaZulu/Natal [TIKZN] and DTI 

Delegation
  •  Premier, Speaker, 1 MEC, 6 WCG officials, 1 WCPP official

Purpose
  • Promote the Western Cape as Trade, Tourism and Investment destination

Destination
  1. Riyadh, 10 December 2010 [1 working day]
  2. Jeddah, 11 December 2010 [1 working day]
  3. Abu Dhabi, 12 until 14 December 2010 [3 working days]

MEETING DETAILS

Organisation & official met
  1. Saudi Arabia Chamber of Commerce
  2. Shoura Council
  3. Governor of Riyadh
  4. Deputy Minister of Finance
  5. Minister of Commerce and Industry
  6. Secretary General of the Supreme Commission for Tourism and Antiquities
  7. National Engineering Services and Marketing Group [NESMA]
  8. Jeddah Chamber of Commerce
  9. Saudi Bin Laden Group
  10. Alpha Tours
  11. Emirates Advanced Investments
  12. Landmark group[16]
  13. Abu Dhabi Dept. of Economic Development [ADDED]
  14. International Petroleum Investment Corporation
  15. Reem Investment[17]
  16. Business seminar with Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry [ADCCI] and ADDED
  17. AD Food Control Authority[18]
  18. Masdar Institute of Science and Technology
  19. Minister of Foreign Trade
  20. Dubai Chamber of Commerce
  21. Jebel Ali Free Zone [JAFZA[19]
  22. Etihad Airlines
  23. Dubai World Central[20]
  24. Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority [ADTA
  25. Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry
  26. Abu Dhabi Education Council

Outcomes pursued & benefits

The visit explored closer business linkages with Saudi Arabia [and regional trade and investment promotion agencies in Saudi] in the Construction, Renewable Energy, Agriculture, Oil and Gas, IT, Health care and infrastructure, and back-office support. The WCG obtained a clearer understanding of business opportunities in Saudi Arabia as well as areas of interest Saudi companies were interested in investing in, e.g. an invitation was extended to Saudi companies to attend the Tourism Indaba, the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce expressed a desire to bring a delegation of leading captains of Industry to South Africa and the province, etc. In addition, collaboration between the Shoura Council and the WCPP was encouraged as far as legislative processes were concerned.

Similarly, a clearer overview was obtained of Abu Dhabi 2030 Vision and the opportunities for and synergies with the WC.  An invitation was extended to ADDED to visit the WC to explore opportunities for closer business linkages.  Furthermore, the Western Cape delegation was granted access to the database of the Dubai Chamber of Commerce for potential matchmaking.  Similarly, discussions were entered into regarding the export of Agricultural products, Halaal certification and Renewable Energy with the Minister of Foreign Trade.  Discussions were also entered into with Masdar City regarding the possibility for the implementation of technology in energy saving.  Lastly, discussions were entered into with Etihad airlines regarding cargo load from Cape Town. 

 

 

VISIT TO THE UNITED KINGDOM, 09 until 12 November 2009

TRIP DETAILS

Organiser

[Department]

Department of Economic Development and Tourism 

Delegation
  •  1 WCG official

Purpose
  • Attend the World Travel Market [WTM]
  • Promote the Western Cape as Trade, Tourism and Investment destination
  • Engage with representatives from the Heritage steam train industry

Destination
  1. United Kingdom, 09 until 12 November 2009 [4 working days]

MEETING DETAILS

Organisation & official met
  1. World Travel Market [various sessions]
  2. Heritage Steam UK
  3. Ffestiniong Railway
  4. MOSI Museum
  5. Tollman group
  6. Higher Education Web publishing
  7. TT International Funds PLC

Outcomes pursued & benefits

The delegation attended the WTM, the premier gathering of tourism operators.  The event served as a platform to market and promote the offering of the province to a global audience and engage with stakeholders relevant to the sector e.g. airlines, tourism agencies, etc.   Engagements were also set up with stakeholders in the tourism, hospitality and financial services sectors to explore opportunities for the Western Cape. 

Practical advance and suggestions were received regarding the way forward for heritage rail in the Western Cape and the country, including but not limited to the structures, budgets, maintenance and restoration of the locomotives, economic impact of the railways on the local economy, marketing strategies, funding models, insight into the establishment and management of heritage railway museums, community involvement, etc. A strong focus was placed on the Outeniqua Choo Tjoe and possible collaboration in this regard. 

[1] The information requested covers nearly a decade. Every effort has been taken to collate this information as accurately as possible in the time provided.

[2] Sunday, 05 November 2017 was utilised as a working day.

[3] Minister Winde didn’t attend the meeting as it clashed with the NMF and Thebe Group breakfast.

[4] Minister Winde didn’t attend the meeting as it clashed with the NMF and Thebe Group breakfast.

[5] Radio Conference that can reach 100 million listeners from 10 countries.

[6] Sunday, 21 May 2022 was utilised as a working day.

[7] Minister Winde had a parallel meeting with Stanford university and didn’t attend the meeting.

[8] Sunday, 15 November 2015 was also utilised for a meeting with Hisense, who’s based in Atlantis.

[9] Meeting attended by Minister Meyer only as it clashed with meeting with Shanghai Free Trade Zone

[10] Sunday, 26 April 2015 was utilised as a working day.

[11] Saturday, 28 March 2015 was utilised as a working day.

[12] Saturday, 06 October 2012 was also utilised for work-related purposes.

[13] Minister Winde didn’t attend the meeting as he had a parallel programme in Rio, including meetings with State Secretary for Tourism, Rio Yacht club, Rio Boat Show, etc.

[14] See foot note 13 above. 

[15] Sunday, 25 September 2011 was utilised as a working day.

[16] The meeting was only for the representative of Truworths and not the official delegation. 

[17] The meeting happened concurrently with the meeting with the International Petroleum Investment Corporation and as such Minister Winde was not in attendance.

[18] The meeting was managed by Minister van Rensburg as the main topic of discussion was food security and the banning of SA red meat into market. 

[19][19] Included only the business delegation

[20] Business delegation only.

Date: 
Friday, July 8, 2022
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