President Jacob Zuma urges business to explore BRICS opportunities

South African President Jacob Zuma has asked the South African business community attending the BRICS Business Forum to aggressively take advantage of the opportunities that BRICS offers.
President Zuma met with the South African business delegation today, 13 April 2011, ahead of the beginning of the 3rd BRICS Leaders Summit in Sanya on Hainan Island in China.
 
“Our role as government is to create an enabling environment for business to operate. We believe we are doing that successfully.  President of BUSA, you must marshal your forces to take advantage of the huge market offered by BRICS.   South African business must take advantages of opportunities in various areas including energy, agriculture, science and technology.  Do not listen to those who are saying South Africa is punching above its weight.  We are punching within our weight, we will not let opportunities go by,” said President Zuma

The President earlier held bilateral talks with the President of Russian Federation, His Excellency Dmitry Medvedev and the People’s Republic of China President Hu Jintao to strengthen bilateral cooperation.

“We are looking forward to our inaugural meeting tomorrow.  We are upbeat.  Africa is moving away from the margins, we are playing our role among powerful emerging economies”, President Zuma added.

Enquiries:  Zizi Kodwa on 082 330 4910.

Issued by the Presidency
Pretoria