International Relations Department

What we do

The International Relations Unit deals with economic diplomacy on a daily basis and works towards showcasing Cape Town on global platforms, enhancing an enabling environment for new investments and creating new enterprises within the local economy. We pursue all of these economic matters to create inclusive economic growth and job creation, which contributes towards an opportunity City.

We advise and collaborate with various departments on showcasing Cape Town globally to benefit the city and its residents.

We are responsible for the following services:

assisting with the Invest Cape Town programme;
facilitating visits from international delegations;
facilitating the Mayor and Deputy Mayor’s outgoing trade and investment or other foreign missions;
maintaining and building relationships with strategic partners around the world, including other cities with which the City has formal arrangements;
maintaining and building relationships with international organisations and those the City is a member of;
positioning Cape Town as a forward-looking, competitive, business city;
providing strategic input regarding new global developments that inform City decisions on partnerships and investment missions.

Our focus areas include showcasing Cape Town globally by facilitating executive and international relations-led foreign missions, as well as hosting international delegations.

We also:

assist in providing a development and investment facilitation support service for potential investors;
create strategic international linkages with cities and organisations that increase the prospects for trade with, and investment into, Cape Town;
work with key economic stakeholders to improve the business environment and ease of doing business.