Her Excellency Ambassador Tselane Mokuena, Ambassador of the Republic of South Africa to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, welcomed His Excellency Counselor Mahmoud Al-Jarrah, Secretary General of the Arab Union for International Exhibitions and Conferences, to the South African Embassy in Amman for high-level discussions aimed at strengthening economic cooperation between South Africa and Arab countries.
The meeting was also attended by Mr. Iyad Al-Daoud, a member of the Union, and centred on identifying practical frameworks for enhanced collaboration in the economic, trade and investment sectors.
Strengthening South Africa–Arab Economic Cooperation
The discussions highlighted the importance of expanding commercial partnerships between South Africa and the Arab region through increased trade, investment promotion and institutional collaboration.
Both sides explored mechanisms to facilitate stronger business engagement, encourage cross-border investment, and create opportunities for companies seeking to expand into new markets. The meeting reflected a shared commitment to fostering sustainable economic growth and building mutually beneficial partnerships.
International Exhibitions as Catalysts for Trade and Investment
A key focus of the discussions was the strategic role of international exhibitions and conferences as platforms for promoting trade, attracting investment and facilitating business-to-business engagement.
The participants acknowledged that global exhibitions provide valuable opportunities for governments, investors and private sector stakeholders to showcase products, develop commercial networks and unlock new investment opportunities across diverse industries.
By strengthening cooperation in this sector, South Africa and the Arab Union aim to create greater opportunities for businesses to access regional and international markets.
Supporting AfCFTA Through Global Partnerships
The meeting also underscored the growing importance of strengthening economic relations between Arab countries and the Republic of South Africa in support of broader continental development objectives.
Enhanced cooperation aligns with the vision of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) by promoting increased market access, investment flows and trade connectivity between Africa and the Arab world. Building stronger bridges across continents is expected to contribute to sustainable economic development while creating new opportunities for businesses and investors on both sides.
Advancing Economic Diplomacy
The engagement reflects South Africa’s continued commitment to leveraging economic diplomacy to deepen international partnerships, promote trade and investment, and support inclusive economic growth.
As both parties continue exploring avenues for cooperation, the discussions mark another positive step towards strengthening South Africa’s commercial engagement with the Arab region and expanding opportunities for businesses operating within the framework of the AfCFTA.
