South Africa is strengthening trade and investment ties with Japan. Wesgro, the official tourism, trade and investment promotion agency for Cape Town and the Western Cape, marketing at the global level, continues to grow global investment into priority sectors across Cape Town and the Western Cape.
The country is proud to host a high-level breakfast by bringing together the key partners from Japan and South Africa. The event also welcomed the Member of the Mayoral Committee for Economic Growth – Alderman James Vos; Western Cape Minister of Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism – Dr. Ivan Meyer; Japanese Consul in Cape Town – Masahiro Katamoto; Chairperson of the Japanese Chamber of Commerce in South Africa and Regional CEO for Africa at Mitsubishi Corporation – Takashi Hirose; JETRO; and other leaders and members of the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Furthermore, companies from Japan in attendance included Mistui & Co. Ltd, Sumitomo Corporation, Marubeni Corporation, Sonjitz Corporation, Mizuho Bank, Toyota Tsusho Africa, Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance Co Ltd, and Kinetsu World Express SA.
Later, the discussions focused on deepening trade and investment ties with Japan, showcasing the diversity and innovation of Made in the Cape products, and exploring future-facing sectors for collaboration.
In her address, CEO of Wesgro – Wrenelle Stander highlighted the opportunity: “The Western Cape is positioned as a platform within South Africa, designed for investments where execution reliability, system integration, and long planning horizons determine returns. But we are not standing still. The Western Cape is deliberately focusing on a defined set of future-facing sectors, not because they are fashionable, but because they are system-dependent and long-horizon.”
The breakfast there also provided a platform for Made in the Cape exporters to showcase their sustainable and innovative products, with exhibitors including Solar MD, BalanCell, Puris, Bet-El Fruits, Southern Fruit Trading, Carmién Tea and Sunbird Rooibos.
Together with the partners, Wesgro remains committed to strengthen trade and investment ties between Japan and the Western Cape.
MMC for Economic Growth – Alderman James Vos also acknowledged this bond and said that through programmes like Invest Cape Town. The Investment Facilitation Branch, and the Ease of Doing Business Index, they’re removing friction, speeding up processes, and making it easier for companies such as Japan’s world‑renowned innovators to invest, expand and create jobs.