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Seminar solidifies trade relations

FOURWAYS - The importance of good trade relations between countries was the cornerstone of a seminar held by the Johannesburg Taiwanese Chamber of Commerce in Africa (JTCCA).

The seminar, which was held at the Indaba Hotel, played host to Taiwanese-South African business people, diplomats and the heads of other business forums in South Africa like the Israeli Chamber of Commerce and Diepsloot Chamber of Commerce.

Chairperson of the JTCCA, Kevin Yeh, explained that business chambers play an important role in trade and business relationships because business is about knowing people and meeting contacts in person, rather than over the phone or email.

Yeh said Taiwanese companies were attracted to investing in South Africa because the country has the second largest economy in Africa, the first is Nigeria.

Currently there are more than 800 Taiwanese companies with branches in South Africa, mainly in the textile, garment and foodware industry, as well as diamond trading. According to Yeh, the most prominent South African cities for Taiwanese businesses are Durban, Johannesburg, Bloemfontein, East London and Newcastle.

Taiwan’s exports to South Africa include automotive parts and electronics and their imports from South Africa include copper, iron, steel, coal and aluminium. Recently, Taiwan has also been involved in the export of high quality, high-price bicycles.

Taiwanese ambassador, Michael Hsu, encouraged South Africans to consider visiting Taiwan as a holiday destination, mentioning that the country has a rich culture, a highly developed public transport system and the Taiwanese people have patience and tolerance.

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