Cape Town: With South Africa set to host the Group of Twenty (G20) Leaders’ Summit this year, Cape Town is preparing to welcome the Business 20 (B20) – the official dialogue forum for domestic and international business communities – next week. Western Cape Premier Alan Winde expressed enthusiasm about hosting the event, emphasizing the opportunity to showcase the region’s potential to a global audience.
According to South African Government News Agency, the B20 will be held from 24-25 February, aligning with South Africa’s broader role in hosting the G20 Leaders’ Summit. Premier Winde highlighted the significance of the event for the province, country, and continent, acknowledging it as an opportunity to further position Cape Town and the Western Cape as premier destinations for business and investment. He urged the community to extend warm hospitality to the delegates to promote the region effectively.
The B20 summit is recognized as a crucial networking platform, connecting local companies with international business counterparts to explore economic growth and job creation opportunities. The event is anticipated to attract foreign investment, boost tourism, enhance the international reputation of the region, and contribute to global policy discussions.
Focusing on the theme ‘Inclusive Growth and Prosperity through Global Participation,’ the summit’s priorities include trade and investment, infrastructure development, education, and climate change. Premier Winde emphasized the importance of showcasing economic successes and reinforcing the region’s investment appeal while collaborating with global partners to address pressing issues.
More than 100 G20 meetings are scheduled throughout the year, with 40 planned in the Western Cape. Premier Winde expressed readiness to host additional gatherings linked to the G20, aiming to leverage these events to enhance the region’s global standing.
In tandem with the B20 preparations, President Cyril Ramaphosa is set to open and address the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Johannesburg. This meeting, hosted by Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola, operates under the theme ‘Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability’ and will take place on 20 and 21 February at the Nasrec Expo Centre.