2012

The Trade Section of the South African Embassy in Portugal organized a business contact & follow-up visit to the northern region of Portugal

7-8 June 2012

The visit is part of the Mission’s strategy to promote economic diplomacy by engaging with municipalities with innovative and successful infrastructural projects that contribute to a better environment, improved quality of life of populations and job creation. The Mission is actively liaising with relevant partners for future jv with South African municipalities and companies, promoting transfer of skills and investment relations between the two countries.

 

The Honorary Consul of South Africa in Porto, Mr. António Schneider, Mr. N Sifuba, First Secretary for Trade & Tourism and Mrs. Rodrigues, Trade Assistant, were warmly welcomed by Mr. Mário Montemanha, Councilor for International Relations of Gaia Municipality, one of the biggest municipalities in the country. Gaia Municipality has developed and implemented an efficient network of waste treatment over the last 14 years. The South African delegation visited two state-of-the art facilities for solid waste treatment (Suldouro) and wastewater treatment (ETAR Gaia Litoral) that are used for recycling and energy production. 

 

 Visit to Suldouro

 

Visit to Etar Litoral

 

Maia Municipality

The South African delegation also visited Maia Municipality and was hosted by Mr. Paulo Ramalho, Councilor for International Relations and Mr. Paulo Vilarinho, Head of International Relations of Maia Municipality. Leading Portuguese companies have their headquarters in Maia municipality, such as Sonae, Efacec or Frulact (all investors in South Africa). Maia also hosts one of the most sophisticated science and technology parks in the country (Tecmaia).

 

The Municipality has developed and implemented an efficient network of waste treatment over the last 20 years. The South African Embassy delegation visited two facilities for solid waste treatment (LIPOR I&II) and wastewater treatment (Parada) that are used for recycling, incineration and energy production.

 

     

South African delegation at LIPOR

 

1st Iberian Jewellery Conference

The Mission used the visit to the North of the country to attend the 1st International Jewellery Conference in Viana do Castelo. This was an unique chance to engage with major players (manufacturers, designers and consultants) and to be updated on the latest developments on the sector’s internationalisation process, in particular to the South African market.

 

The event was hosted by the Mayor of Viana do Castelo, Mr. José Maria Costa who acknowledged the presence of the Embassy officials. Representatives of the Jewellery Association of the North and South of the country were present, as well as academics from the University of Minho (institution involved in R&D for jewellery sector), a representative of the World Gold Council and officials of the Portuguese Trade & Investment Agency (AICEP).

 


 Opening remarks by the Mayor of Viana do Castelo,  Mr. José Maria Costa

 

South African Embassy delegation