CAPE TOWN: South Africa could expect more trade with Saudi Arabia, after government officials and businesses from two countries concluded discussions which would see increased bilateral investments in the areas of energy, mining, agricultural produce, food processing and finished products.
Increased trade ties between the two countries will be on the agenda when President Jacob Zuma travels to Saudi Arabia later this month on a state visit accompanied by a business delegation.
In addition, a South African trade mission will visit Saudi Arabia in August, with South Africa lending support in terms of its knowledge of mining. Saudi Arabian companies are expected to participate in next year’s mining indaba, which is scheduled for February.
On Monday the two countries, along with ACWA Power, launched the R5 billion Solafrica Bokpoort Concentrated Solar Power project in the Northern Cape, which is set to provide 220 000MW/hour annually, enough to power 200 000 homes.
Trade and Industry Minister Rob Davies said ACWA Power would be involved with the construction of an even bigger, “double the size”, renewable energy project, which also used concentrated solar power, in the Northern Cape.
