" [1]our Excellencies
Gauteng Economic Development MEC – Mr. Firoz Cachalia
The CEO of the National African Federated Chamber of Commerce (NAFCOC) - Regional Trade and Investment
Distinguished Members of the Consular and Diplomatic Corps
Distinguished Members of the Private Sector
Development partners
Honoured Guests
Ladies and Gentlemen:
Let me start by saying that I am delighted to be with you and keen on working with you on our common purpose of advancing development on the African continent. I and indeed the entire staff of the NEPAD Planning and Coordinating Agency thank you for your invitation and our presence here clearly speak to our commitment towards the Gauteng ‘Gateway to doing business in Africa’ project.
Following extended consultations with the Gauteng Economic Development Agency, The African Legacy Programme, the ‘Festival of Africa’ project and other key agencies and partners that are involved in the 2010 FIFA World Cup, the NEPAD Agency strongly believes that the 2010 FIFA World Cup is a good platform for creating positive awareness about Africa, showcasing Africa’s cultural diversity and for highlighting Africa’s investment potential to the world. As is being proposed through the various events that are taking place within this project – exhibitions, networking opportunities, festivals – It is important to bear in mind the links between the artistic, sporting, cultural and business objectives of the ‘Gateway project’. For instance, the importance of sports and culture for the development of Africa has been recognised by the African Union (AU) at a series of AU Heads of State and Government meetings - July 2003 in Maputo, January 2006 in Khartoum, and January 2007 in Addis Ababa.
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