The Western Cape will undertake more than 40 international trade missions during the current financial year as part of ongoing efforts to boost trade.According to Denan Kuni, head of international trade and development at Wesgro, the province will be doubling down on trade and export development in 2020, with a strong focus on export-led growth.“From a Wesgro perspective, the outlook for trade is positive, and the trade unit will continue to undertake international trade missions this financial year,” he told F T W. “Although there has been uncertainty in global trade policy for the past few years, 2020 looks like it may bring new confidence. Va r iou s trade- related uncertainties appear to be shifting towards more solid ground.”These include the threat of a no-deal Brexit that has abated as the United K ingdom leaves the European Union (EU) in an orderly fashion and enters a new phase of Brexit negotiations with the EU; the new North American Free Trade Agreement (Nafta) agreement which has been finalised and will in future be known as the United States–Mexico-Canada Agreement; as well as the steps taken by both China and USA to ease their trade war.“Closer to home, the first phase of trading under the African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement is set to commence midway through the year,” said Kuni indicating there was hope for increased trade between African countries under this agreement.“We are confident that it will be a good year for We s t er n Cape exports,” he said. “The province exports high-quality, globally competitive goods, and by keeping a close eye on global conditions, certain trade disruptions can even play in our favour.”He said particular attention was being paid to the agriculture, agro-processing, agribusiness, furniture, cosmetics and natural ingredients sectors. Green industries were also a focus.
