Trade: SA, Saudis cement links

THE SAUDI Arabia South Africa Business Council (SASABC) had agreed to strengthen economic relations between the two countries, the council said yesterday. The SASABC, co-chaired by Dr Iqbal Surve and Dr Amin AlShanqiti, said the two countries were looking at potential investment opportunities in mining, petrochemicals, agriculture, information and communications technology, financial services and media. Surve, who leads the South African business delegation, said there were enormous opportunities for investment in Saudi Arabia, which was the largest economy in the Gulf region. “The business relationship between Saudi Arabia and South Africa has been strengthened significantly on a business level. This is confirmed by the successful SASABC meeting today, which augurs well for economic and trade relations between us,” he added. The SASABC is planning a special conference in South Africa later this year. – Staff Reporter