| Cape Town's economic growth mission to Türkiye helps strengthen global ties | Cape Town's economic growth mission to Türkiye helps strengthen global ties | | <img alt="" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/PublishingImages/%28Treasury%29%20Policies%20and%20publications%20Header.jpg" style="BORDER:0px solid;" /> | <p>In a move to foster international collaboration and solidify economic ties, Alderman James Vos, the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth, recently undertook a mission to İzmir, Türkiye, accompanied by Enver Duminy, the CEO of Cape Town Tourism. The mission aimed to represent the City of Cape Town at the İzmir Travel and Trade Exhibition.<br></p> | <span><p>Türkiye and South Africa have a strong tourism partnership. This is underscored by the seven direct flights per week between Istanbul and Cape Town. The direct flights connect tourists and business travellers alike, and represent growing interest and investment in tourism and trade opportunities. </p><p>Türkiye is also a strategic trade partner to South Africa, for example: </p><ul><li>In 2021 Türkiye exported $902 million in goods to South Africa. </li><li>In the same year, South Africa exported $935m to Türkiye with the top product being iron ore, followed by gold and centrifuges. </li><li>Between 1995 and 2021 the exports of Türkiye to South Africa have increased at an annualised rate of 10,2%; and exports from South Africa to Türkiye increased at an annualised rate of 7,4%.<br></li></ul>
<figure class="subtopic-fullsize-img">
<img src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Images%202/Pic%201.jpg" class="responsive" alt="" style="width:1044px;" /> </figure></span><span><p>Working persistently to implement the Sister City agreement signed between Cape Town and İzmir, Alderman Vos and Duminy held high-level discussions with key İzmir authorities during this recent visit. This included the İzmir Tourism Board, İzmir Cinetour, İzmir Travel Fair Management, Turkish Airlines, TÜRSAB (Turkish Outbound Operator), the Honorary Consul for South Africa, and the İzmir Municipal Government. </p><p>Alderman Vos emphasised, 'Our commitment to implementing the Sister City agreement is integral to building a strong foundation for collaborative initiatives that will benefit both İzmir and Cape Town.'</p>
<figure class="subtopic-fullsize-img">
<img src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Images%202/Pic%202%20turkey.jpg" class="responsive" alt="" style="width:1036px;" /> </figure></span><span><p>Highlighting the purpose behind these international trade missions, Vos stated, 'Our goal is to present Cape Town's value proposition to global business and government leaders. We want them to understand the potential within our high-performing sectors, spanning marine manufacturing, clothing production, call centres, tourism, financial services, and technology.</p><p>'It's crucial for international partners to know that Cape Town boasts a job-ready labour market, and our programmes are specifically designed to make doing business easier through our investment facilitation service.' </p><p>This commitment to facilitating seamless business operations aligns with Cape Town's overarching strategy to position itself as a hub for global trade and investment.</p><p>Recognising the importance of Türkiye as a key source market for Cape Town and vice versa, Vos highlighted the economic opportunities that arise from fostering closer ties. </p>
<figure class="subtopic-fullsize-img">
<img src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Images%202/Pic%203turkey.jpg" class="responsive" alt="" style="width:1271px;" /> </figure></span><p>'Türkiye holds immense potential as a strategic partner for Cape Town's economic growth. This mission is not just about strengthening existing connections; it's about exploring new avenues that will enhance economic, tourism, and trade ties between our regions.'</p><p>The identified achievements and action steps from these discussions reflect not only the dedication to immediate gains but also the foresight to shape a prosperous and collaborative future. </p><p>'Our efforts in İzmir are not isolated; they are part of a broader strategy to strengthen ties, explore economic opportunities, and ensure that the Sister City agreement between our two cities becomes a catalyst for sustained partnership,' Vos concluded. </p><p><strong>End</strong><br></p> | 2024-02-20T22:00:00Z | GP0|#1d539e44-7c8c-4646-887d-386dc1d95d70;L0|#01d539e44-7c8c-4646-887d-386dc1d95d70|City news;GTSet|#62efe227-07aa-45e7-944c-ceebacca891d | | | | | GP0|#0f794aab-8ac2-46f6-8dda-f97adf1462bd;L0|#00f794aab-8ac2-46f6-8dda-f97adf1462bd|tourism;GTSet|#2e3de6c1-9951-4747-8f53-470629a399bb;GP0|#c0fc7df3-48ed-4acc-864d-8d2ebc0294d5;L0|#0c0fc7df3-48ed-4acc-864d-8d2ebc0294d5|Turkey;GTSet|#2e3de6c1-9951-4747-8f53-470629a399bb;GP0|#c3f8c7fd-6d3c-4cc2-b004-3b691e273465;L0|#0c3f8c7fd-6d3c-4cc2-b004-3b691e273465|Economic activity;GTSet|#2e3de6c1-9951-4747-8f53-470629a399bb | 1 | | | | | | | | | | | 0 |
