Partner Article

UK companies urged to share in South African building boom

British construction firms are being encouraged to take advantage of the multi billion pound infrastructure opportunities in South Africa, according to a report released today by UK Trade & Investment.

The report, titled ‘Building South Africa: Opportunities for the UK Construction Sector’, highlights infrastructure opportunities in both the public and private sectors stemming from the Government’s £33billion infrastructure plans and events like the 2010 World Cup.

UK Trade & Investment Chief Executive Officer Andrew Cahn said: “South Africa is a fast growth economy with infrastructure plans to match. With investment opportunities in both private and public sectors, coupled with a severe skills shortage now is the time for UK companies to take advantage of the construction boom.

“By establishing a business in South Africa, UK companies can gain a foothold into sub-Saharan Africa.”

Several UK companies are already actively involved in major infrastructure projects for South Africa, including Bombardier Transportation UK Ltd, which is providing the new train fleet for the Gautrain project, and Mott MacDonald which is involved in Transnet’s rail and port expansion programme.

UK Trade & Investment’s presence in South Africa is stronger than ever, with 34 staff based in Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban to support these opportunities and expansions.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .