‘More international trade networks crucial’

The establishment of more international trade networks will be high on the agenda of Business Unity South Africa (Busa) in the coming months. According to CEO Jerry Vilakazi, advancing the interests of South African businesses internationally is of utmost importance to the organisation, which led several business delegations to Angola, Brazil and Zambia as part of state visits of President Jacob Zuma in 2009. “We also confirmed our linkages with partners in Russia, India, Brazil, China, Korea and France,” said Vilakazi. “If we learnt one thing out of the recession and global economic crisis, it was that trade networks must be diversified. This is an important undertaking for us in 2010.” Vilakazi said Busa would continue to support the high-level initiatives of government to promote South African business interests in other countries and would encourage greater levels of inward investment. “We will also be strengthening our networks with export councils, chambers of commerce and foreign chambers to ensure there is a better coordinated approach to trade and investment promotion by South Africa.” According to Vilakazi a code of conduct for South African companies operating in foreign markets is being developed and will be launched later this year.