Growing manufacturing sector opens new opportunities

Volumes to and from
the Middle East are
on the rise thanks to
the diversification of
economies and a growing
manufacturing sector in
the region.
Margrit Wolff, CEO of
Mercury Freight,
said good
relationships
with South
African
suppliers,
built over the
years, had
played a key
role in volume
growth.
“There are huge
opportunities in the
Middle East at present as
they are major traders and
often used as hub ports
due to their location,” she
told FTW. “In
addition they
need
the
basics and are still
importing most of their
foodstuffs.”
She said South Africa,
with its strong agricultural
and agri-processing sector,
could add
significant
value to the
Middle East
which was
only now
starting
to develop
its own
agricultural
sector.
“It is
definitely a
good trading
partner
for South
Africa,” said
Wolff. “Also there are many
expat South Africans living
in the Middle East actively
promoting trade. There are
real opportunities to grow
volumes even more.”
She said a fast-emerging
trend across the Middle
East was their aggressive
focus on starting their own
factories and importing
skills to assist with
building new industries.
“The region comes with
some challenges which
are mostly cultural,”
she said. “They are very
gentle people, while we
tend to be abrasive and
in your face. They cannot
understand that sort of
mentality and it can lead to
misunderstanding.”
According to Wolff time
and patience are required
to build trust and to
develop relationships,
two integral elements for
successful business in the
region.
“They also do not have
our sense of urgency which
can be challenging,” she
said.
INSERT & CAPTION
South Africa, with its
strong agricultural
and agri-processing
sector, can add
significant value to
the Middle East.
– Margrit Wolff