With South Africa due to host the Group of Twenty (G20) Leaders’ Summit this year, Cape Town is set to host the Business 20 (B20) – the official dialogue forum for domestic and international business communities next week.
Western Cape Premier Alan Winde said the province and Cape Town look forward to welcoming the world once again.
This is the province that will host the B20 from 24-25 February in the year that South Africa hosts the Group of Twenty (G20) Leaders’ Summit.
“This is an important milestone for our province, country, and continent. It is a huge honour for us all to showcase the region to the world. We did this so well this last holiday season and again with the recent Mining Indaba and other major events. Now it is our opportunity to host the B20. Let us all put our best foot forward and send delegates home as marketers of Cape Town and the Western Cape,” he said.
According to the Premier, the B20 serves as an important networking platform for local companies and businesses to link up with international counterparts, who are eager to join hands with them in exploring ways in which to take economic growth and job creation forward.
The B20 offers several benefits, including attracting foreign investment, boosting tourism, enhancing the international reputation of the Western Cape and South Africa, and influencing global policy discussions.
The B20 summit will focus on the theme ’Inclusive Growth and Prosperity through Global Participation.’
Key areas of priority for the summit include trade and investment, infrastructure development, education, and climate change.
“We have a vital opportunity to showcase our economic successes, further highlight the region as an investment destination of choice, build on our achievements together with global partners, and deepen international ties to tackle critical issues.
“The issues that will be discussed at the B20 can influence the G20 and so we will ensure our voice is heard,” Winde added.
Meanwhile, more than 100 meetings of the G20 will be held throughout the year, 40 of which are planned to take place in the Western Cape.
“The Western Cape is ready to host even more meetings and gatherings linked to the G20 if need be. We must maximise the hosting of these events to enhance our global standing.”
Meanwhile, President Cyril Ramaphosa will today officially open and address the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Johannesburg.
The Foreign Ministers’ Meeting hosted by the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola takes place under South Africa’s G20 Presidency theme of ’Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability’ on 20 and 21 February at the Nasrec Expo Centre. – SAnews.gov.za
