Trade between South Africa and Germany Trade stood at R215 billion – representing one of the most important trading relationships for South Africa – prompting trade and industry minister, Ebrahim Patel, to call for the two countries to actively seek opportunities to work together in fostering deeper, more inclusive growth.
Patel attended a trade engagement session in Pretoria last week – hosted by German Ambassador to South Africa, Dr Martin Schäfer – with German business people as well as representatives of the German-Southern African Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
“Our economic and cultural relationship with Germany is important for South Africa. German-owned companies have played an important role in helping to develop key industries like the automotive industry. In fact, cars assembled in South Africa, many of them by German marques, represent our largest export to Germany,” said Patel.
He highlighted that exports of South African goods to Germany had more than doubled since 2014, and the trade gap between the two countries continues to narrow. “It is estimated that the more than 400 companies established by German investors has created approximately 100 000 direct jobs in South Africa,” Patel pointed out.
Schäfer said trade ties between Germany and South Africa were strong. “German companies, from large car manufacturers to specialised engineering firms are active players in South Africa. They are not only here to make a quick buck. They strive to contribute to the social transformation of South Africa by creating jobs, by investing in training, local value chains and economic transformation, by being responsible corporate citizens,” he highlighted.
