Ebrahim Resool, prime minister of South Africa's Western Cape province, visited Türkiye in May 2006 and outlined broad opportunities for bilateral economic cooperation during a luncheon hosted by the Independent Industrialists' and Businessmen's Association (MUSIAD).
Resool said South Africa could supply Türkiye with gold and diamonds at competitive prices and suggested the two countries share expertise in mining. He also pointed to textiles, footwear, automotive manufacturing, education, real estate, newly discovered oil, and infrastructure as promising sectors for Turkish investors.
The visiting official noted that Türkiye, ranked 17th among industrialized nations, represented a significant economic partner, and he called on Turkish textile firms in particular to consider setting up operations in South Africa, where investment incentives are available.
Resool also raised the 2010 FIFA World Cup, which South Africa was preparing to host, saying the country needed at least 10 new hotels and was welcoming proposals for hotel construction projects. He described relations between the two countries as historically grounded, adding that both serve as models for secular democracy in their respective regions.
Historical summary. TurkishPress restated this wire report, first published in May 2006, in its own words.