Envoy sees further growth in Qatar, South Africa ties

By Ayman Adly/Staff Reporter

South Africa’s Ambassador to Qatar, Saad Cachalia, saw the potential for further co-operation and investment between the two countries while observing the 19th anniversary of South Africa’s Freedom Day in the presence of various envoys and members of the community recently. HE the Minister of Cultural, Arts and Heritage Dr Hamad bin Abdulaziz al-Kuwari was also present at the event.

Cachalia said there has been a remarkable increase in the number of South African professionals joining the Qatari labour market recently, including physicians, nurses, engineers, veterinarians and other specialised professionals in the fields of banking, media, education and oil & gas exploration.

Individual businesses of citizens from both countries are also growing as investment opportunities for Qataris in South Africa are abundant in many fields. “For example, livestock and meat products of South Africa are of high quality. Also, the country has a variety of fruits and agricultural products. The presence of these is increasing on shelves in outlets across Qatar,” said the ambassador.

Further, Qatari investment in South Africa has great potential and the volume of trade between the two countries is steadily on the rise. Some Qatari companies are opening head offices in South Africa to facilitate investment in African countries.

Cachalia asserted that South Africa’s tourism sector registered a dramatic rise in numbers as many Qataris and expatriates spent their holidays there. The demand was already high as the country has fascinating attractions in terms of natural resources, history and culture.

Addressing the gathering, the ambassador stressed that the occasion was very special for the nation as it entailed countless sacrifices in the bid to attain freedom, which celebrates “peace, unity, reconciliation and the restoration of human dignity of all South Africans irrespective of race, creed, gender or age”.

“It is an occasion for us to ensure that we will never take our hard-earned freedom for granted, a constant reminder of the numerous challenges we continue to face as a developing nation. The rebirth of a free South Africa has seen a march towards a shared humanity and respect for the human spirit that continuously strives to free itself from the shackles of poverty, oppression, denial, discrimination and deprivation. Much has been achieved in the last 19 years, but much more still needs to be done. We remain relentless in our pursuit of the common good and the well- being of all nations across the world. It is this freedom that allows South Africans to work in Qatar and permits me to stand before you all today proudly, representing a free country,” said Cachalia.

The ambassador appreciated that Qatar was engaging South African professionals in its various development projects. He invited the Qatari guests to come to South Africa and enjoy its exotic tastes and landscape.