SA exporters chase bold new markets in Saudi Arabia

Gulf offers great opportunities for several industries

- By Tshwarelo eseng Mogakane

A group of South African exporters returned home this week after travelling through Riyadh on a high-stakes trade mission that exposed 12 local companies to one of the Middle East's fastest-growing markets.

Sunday World spoke to the participating entrepreneurs and the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC) officials who drove the initiative.

Boikano Sikwane, CEO of Chuck Chilli Foods, one of the companies represented on the trip, said the mission came at a time when demand for bold flavours in the Middle East aligned perfectly with its flagship product. Sikwane said the business had grown far beyond its humble beginnings.

“We are available in over 250 stores across South Africa, and we intend to be a part of every retailer nationwide,” she said.