STATE PRESIDENT Nelson Mandela's tour of Europe could lead to substantial increases in trade, following his warm reception by top business and political leaders.
Apart from well-received public appearances, Mandela has addressed business leaders in Britain and France, two of South Africa's leading European trading partners.
South African Foreign Trade Organisation (SAFTO) g.m. Anne Moore says that British companies have shown a renewed interest in doing business with local companies.
We provide a service to check the level of interest in overseas companies for certain local products, Moore says.
We have had contact with some very important buyers who have said that they have not bought from us before, but now with our president over there they will begin sourcing products from South Africa. Moore says the visit to France could also have an impact on trade. France trails Britain in its business dealings with South Africa but the potential for increased trade is large.
Moore expects South African consumer goods to benefit initially from Mandela's tour. Wines and fruit are well-known South African products and public interest in these goods could increase.
If the man-in-the-street sees a South African label he could decide to buy the product purely on the strength of Mandela's visit, she says.
