First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy of Ukraine Yuliia Svyrydenko met with South African business leaders and representatives of business associations during a visit to the Republic of South Africa. Discussions centred on trade and attracting private capital for Ukraine’s post-war reconstruction.
The delegation included Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food Vitalii Koval and representatives of Ukrainian businesses.
“For the first time, a Ukrainian delegation comprising ministers and business representatives has visited South Africa on an official trip to forge business partnerships. Our trade relations with this region hold immense potential for growth. Last year, bilateral trade in goods between Ukraine and South Africa totalled $113.9 million – a very modest figure. The lion’s share of this was imports from South Africa. However, Ukrainian entrepreneurs are already engaging with this market, including producers of innovative security systems, confectionery and agricultural exporters of sunflower oil. It’s vital for us to boost exports to the South African market, and I believe this visit will pave the way for that,” Yuliia Svyrydenko said.
The Ukrainian delegation included entrepreneurs from sectors such as agricultural processing, infrastructure, construction and engineering, with a particular focus on the agro-industrial complex.
The meeting with African business representatives, held at the Johannesburg Chamber of Commerce and Industry, brought together around 30 South African entrepreneurs.
“We see strong interest in cooperation across agriculture, digitalisation, energy, healthcare, education and other sectors,” the First Deputy Prime Minister said.
According to her, Ukraine and South Africa are working on several agreements to deepen bilateral ties, including an Agreement on Cooperation in the Agricultural Sector and an Agreement to establish a Joint Intergovernmental Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation. This commission will serve as a permanent platform for government and business contacts, facilitating swift resolution of trade and economic issues.
The parties expressed interest in holding a joint business forum in South Africa. Yuliia Svyrydenko thanked South Africa’s private sector for its active support of Ukraine.
“African companies have been actively supporting Ukraine since the onset of the full-scale invasion. For instance, Aspen provided several shipments of humanitarian aid – essential medicines for Ukrainians – arriving in Ukraine within the first month of the war. It’s critical for us to amplify Ukraine’s voice on the African continent, including through private sector support. This loud voice must convey the truth about the war in Ukraine, russia’s crimes, and the economic opportunities we offer,” Yuliia Svyrydenko concluded. (Government portal)