KwaZulu-Natal strengthens global trade ties through high-level bilateral engagements ahead of G20 Summit

KwaZulu-Natal is intensifying its global investment drive, with the MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Rev Musa Zondi, leading a series of high-level bilateral engagements in Gauteng as part of the province’s strategic build-up to the G20 Leaders’ Summit 2025.

Facilitated by Trade & Investment KwaZulu-Natal, the engagements form part of the Provincial Government’s broader strategy to strengthen international trade relations, deepen investment partnerships and position KwaZulu-Natal as a globally competitive and investment-ready destination.

Hosted on 20 November at the African Bank corporate offices in Sandton, the engagements brought together a diverse group of international stakeholders. These included representatives from African embassies, bilateral chambers of commerce, the Group of Latin America and Caribbean heads of mission, European Union embassies, and the BRICS Business Council alongside its member country representatives. The delegation was led by MEC Zondi, accompanied by Trade & Investment KwaZulu-Natal CEO Sihle Ngcamu and senior executives.

The engagements provided a strategic platform to strengthen trade and investment relations between KwaZulu-Natal and key global markets. Discussions focused on maintaining the province’s international visibility, securing its presence in influential economic platforms, and developing a robust pipeline of new investment opportunities. A key priority was reinforcing institutional and diplomatic relationships to support future trade missions and long-term economic collaboration.

Building on this momentum, the second day of engagements focused on deepening ties with Asian markets through the Republic of Korea Business Forum and Business-to-Business session. Hosted in partnership with the Korean Importers Association and the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, the forum underscored the growing importance of South Korea as a strategic trade and investment partner.

A key highlight of the forum was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Trade & Investment KwaZulu-Natal and the Korean Importers Association. This agreement establishes a formal cooperation framework aimed at expanding export opportunities for KwaZulu-Natal-based manufacturers, while simultaneously creating pathways to attract Korean investment into the province.

The forum also prioritised the development of new investment leads and the strengthening of institutional partnerships to support future trade missions. By facilitating direct engagement between businesses, the platform created opportunities for market access, knowledge exchange and potential joint ventures across priority sectors.

These high-level engagements reflect KwaZulu-Natal’s proactive and targeted approach to investment promotion. By leveraging strategic partnerships and positioning itself within key global networks, the province continues to enhance its competitiveness and credibility as a preferred investment destination.

As global competition for capital intensifies, KwaZulu-Natal’s focused engagement strategy signals a clear intent: to not only attract investment, but to build sustainable, long-term partnerships that drive economic growth, expand trade, and unlock new opportunities for both local and international investors.