Vice President Saulos Chilima on Thursday night inaugurated a high-level bilateral business forum for Malawi and South Africa, co-hosted by Standard Bank and the South African government, in Malawi's commercial capital, Blantyre.
The two-day forum, held on September 11 and 12, 2014, will be based on the following themes: “Create new trade relationships and expand opportunities.”
CEO Andrew Mashanda said the forum was an annual undertaking in partnership with the South African High Commission in promoting and deepening business ties between Malawi and South Africa. Standard Bank Malawi is a subsidiary of South Africa's Standard Bank, Africa's largest banking group by assets.
“This forum aims to create a platform for businesses from both countries to interact and share best practices and ideas for growth. Recognizing that South Africa is Malawi’s largest trading partner, “There is a need for stronger cooperation for mutual benefit,” he said.
This year's forum attracted high-level participation from small and medium-sized entrepreneurs and their umbrella organizations, large South African companies, and government trade representatives from both countries.
The forum will feature two key dedicated sessions aimed at Standard Bank's SME and corporate customers in both countries.
Keynote speakers for the SME session include Ron Tembo, Head of Business Banking (Standard Bank) and Henry Katjaje, Managing Director of Business Consult Africa (BCA).
In the corporate customer segment, key speakers will include the South African High Commission, South African Directorate of Trade and Industry, Malawi Department of Trade, Standard Bank Malawi, University of Malawi, Max Steel and South African Airways (SAA).
“This will be a very interactive forum where various issues affecting business and the general macroeconomic framework of both countries will be discussed,” Mashanda said.
Meanwhile, South Africa's High Commissioner to Malawi, Cassandra Mbuyane Mokone, said: “The 2014 Forum will strengthen the strong trade relationship that exists between Malawi and South Africa, and will therefore not only discuss challenges and successes between the parties, but also explore untapped potential. It will also create opportunities for exploration.”
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