The Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber's Trade and Investment Desk recently hosted a strategic engagement bringing together honorary consuls and vice-consuls which are representing foreign states within the metro.
The countries represented in the session were France, Germany, Portugal, Spain, and the United Kingdom, which collectively, account for 65.4% of Nelson Mandela Bay's export basket, representing exports valued at an estimated R46.3 billion during the twelve-month period ending May 2026.
Jeremy Dobbin, chamber’s Trade and Investment Officer explained that these countries also serve as important tourism source markets for the metro, accounting for close to one-third of Nelson Mandela Bay's international visitors, with more than 80 000 tourists visiting the metro annually just from these five countries. “The engagement was aimed at strengthening international cooperation, promoting reciprocal trade and investment opportunities, and enhancing business-to-business linkages across borders,” said Dobbin.
The session provided a valuable platform for dialogue between organised business and honorary consuls. Dobbin said discussions highlighted the important role which honorary consuls play in supporting international business linkages, assisting foreign tourists and travellers, and fostering stronger connections between South Africa and the global community.
Opening the session, Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber Chief Executive Officer, Denise van Huyssteen, emphasised the growing importance of international partnerships in driving export growth, attracting and retaining business investment, and supporting tourism sector growth within the Bay.
A range of topics were explored, including international trade opportunities, foreign direct investment, sector-specific challenges and opportunities, and initiatives such as Made in the Bay, which showcases Nelson Mandela Bay as a source of trusted and sustainable products, innovations, and business excellence.
Participants also shared insights on global market trends, areas of mutual interest, and practical ways to strengthen engagement between local businesses, foreign companies, diplomatic representatives, and international stakeholders.
The Chamber showcased its Bay of Opportunity initiative and raised awareness of the services and solutions offered through its Trade and Investment Desk, which is supported by action partners BDO, Rand Merchant Bank, and Sovereign.
Chief Growth Officer at the Chamber, Lunga Mjodo, noted that strengthening relationships and knowledge-sharing with foreign representatives based in the metro creates valuable opportunities to enhance trade promotion, investment attraction, tourism development, and broader international cooperation.
Mjodo confirmed that the Chamber intends for the engagement to form part of an ongoing programme of interventions aimed at connecting Nelson Mandela Bay businesses with international markets and strengthening the Bay’s position as a globally competitive destination for trade, investment, and tourism.
#BayOfOpportunity
Issued by:
Sibongile Dimbaza
Communications Officer