President of the Johannesburg Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Karen Southern, confirmed that the UAE is an important strategic partner for South Africa, and that Dubai represents a leading and inspiring global model in economic development, urban transformation, and building a competitive business environment that attracts investments.
She told the Emirates News Agency (WAM), on the sidelines of the trade mission organized by the Dubai Chamber of Commerce to Johannesburg, that “Dubai was able, in a short period of time, to transform into one of the most prominent economic and commercial centers in the world,” noting that the Emirati experience is widely admired within economic circles and the business sector in South Africa.
She added that Dubai has proven its ability to build an integrated economic system that combines advanced infrastructure, flexible legislation, and effective partnership between the government and private sectors, which has strengthened its position as a global center for trade, investment and logistics services.
She explained that the City of Johannesburg is looking forward to strengthening cooperation with Dubai, and benefiting from its advanced expertise in the fields of urban planning, city development, infrastructure, water resources management, digital economy and artificial intelligence, stressing that there are great opportunities to build fruitful partnerships that benefit both sides.
She said that the model of cooperation between the government sector in the UAE and the business community is one of the most prominent success factors that deserves study, as the private sector is continuously involved in formulating economic policies and developing the business environment, which contributes to supporting economic growth, stimulating investment, and creating job opportunities.
She praised the Dubai Chamber of Commerce’s initiative to organize a trade mission to South Africa, noting that Johannesburg welcomes Emirati investors and provides promising opportunities in multiple sectors, including construction and real estate development, infrastructure, financial services, technology, and the digital economy, especially as it represents a major economic center and an important gateway to accessing the markets of the African continent.
Karen Southerns sent a message to the Emirati business community, stressing that South Africa has great economic potential and diverse investment opportunities, and that the partnership with the Emirates represents an important opportunity to promote growth and sustainable development, stressing that Emirati expertise, especially Dubai’s development experience, receives great interest and appreciation among the business community in Johannesburg.
