The Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber has signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Spanish Chamber of Commerce in South Africa (SCCSA), marking an important step towards strengthening economic ties, trade relations and investment opportunities between Spain and Nelson Mandela Bay.
The agreement, signed by Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber Chief Executive Officer Denise van Huyssteen and Spanish Chamber of Commerce in South Africa Managing Director Joaquín Valverde, establishes a framework for cooperation aimed at promoting bilateral trade and investment, facilitating business-to-business linkages, and fostering stronger relationships between the Spanish and South African organised business communities.
Through the partnership, the two chambers will work together to facilitate purposefully structured high-impact initiatives, including joint trade missions and delegations, investment showcases and roadshows, market access facilitation, business-to-business matchmaking, sector-specific networking, virtual trade exchanges, policy and best-practice sharing, skills development collaborations, research partnerships, and bilateral engagements.
Commenting on the significance of the agreement, Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber Chief Executive Officer Denise van Huyssteen said the MOU reflects the Chamber’s commitment to creating new opportunities for local businesses while positioning Nelson Mandela Bay as a globally connected investment destination.
“This partnership represents far more than the signing of an agreement. It is a strategic commitment to building stronger international business relationships that can unlock new opportunities for trade, investment, innovation and economic growth for both Spain and Nelson Mandela Bay.”
“Spain is a significant global economy with strengths in sectors such as renewable energy, advanced manufacturing, infrastructure, logistics, tourism and technology. By creating stronger links between our respective business communities, we are opening doors for knowledge exchange, collaboration and investment that can deliver tangible benefits for businesses on both sides.”
Van Huyssteen said the agreement aligns with the Chamber’s broader vision of expanding international partnerships that contribute to economic development and job creation in the region.
“Nelson Mandela Bay has world-class industrial capabilities, a strong automotive manufacturing base, deep-water port infrastructure and a growing innovation ecosystem. This MOU provides a valuable platform to showcase these strengths to Spanish investors and companies while creating opportunities for our members to explore international markets and partnerships.”
She added that the collaboration demonstrates growing international confidence in Nelson Mandela Bay’s economic potential and its role as a gateway to regional and global markets.
“The signing of this MOU sends a strong message that Nelson Mandela Bay is open for business and ready to engage with global partners. It showcases the city’s ability to build meaningful international relationships that support investment attraction, business growth and economic resilience. Partnerships such as these are essential in an increasingly interconnected global economy.”
The agreement will remain in force for an initial period of three years and will provide a structured platform for ongoing engagement between the two chambers through regular meetings, business exchanges and collaborative initiatives.
The Chamber believes the partnership will contribute towards creating new avenues for economic cooperation that support sustainable growth and shared prosperity.
Spanish Chamber of Commerce in South Africa Managing Director Joaquín Valverde said the partnership will create a practical platform for commercial missions, business networking, market intelligence exchange and initiatives that promote sustainable economic growth.
“By connecting businesses across key sectors, including renewable energy, advanced manufacturing, infrastructure, logistics, tourism and technology, this agreement creates new opportunities for innovation, international partnerships and market expansion. We look forward to strengthening commercial ties between Spain and Nelson Mandela Bay while supporting businesses to identify and pursue mutually beneficial opportunities,” he said.
The MOU reflects the shared commitment of both chambers to fostering stronger international business relationships, encouraging investment and creating lasting economic value. Through sustained collaboration, the partnership is expected to unlock new opportunities for businesses, strengthen trade links and contribute to the long-term growth and competitiveness of both economies.
This partnership is delivered through the Chamber’s Trade and Investment Desk, in partnership with BDO SA, Rand Merchant Bank and Sovereign Foods.
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Issued by:
Sibongile Dimbaza
Communications Officer
media@nmbbusinesschamber.co.za