Jeudi, 13 Mai 2010 19:49
Voici le discours d’inauguration en anglais du Dr. Abraham S. Nkomo, Haut Commissaire pour la république de l’Afrique du Sud, jeudi le 13 mai 2010.Mr. DeanDiMaulo, Mrs Nathalie Carriere and Mr. Benoit Beaudet as well as their esteemed colleagues from the SAQ.
Ms Su Birch and Mr. Matome Mbatha of Wines of South Africa.
Ms laurel Keenand of Wines of South Africa Canada.,
South African producers and marketers that travelled from sunny South Africa, Canadian and Quebec agents and representatives, members of the media, distinguished guest, ladies and gentlemen
At an event where the senses of taste, smell and sight will play the most import role, I will not be long winded because I am sure that all of you are eager to enjoy some of the wonderful South African wines and the food that we are about to be served.
On behalf of the South African High Commission, I would like to welcome you all to this event where we will share the opportunity to sample some of the great wines that South Africa’s sun, soil and people have to offer.
South African wine exports to Canada are, after mining, the single biggest category of exports from South Africa to Canada. In spite of the global economic crisis, the export of South African wine and beverages to Canada has shown a very healthy growth over the last two years.
Two years ago, almost to the day, we had a similar event here in Montreal and it is clear from our export statics that all the hard work by all of you in this room has paid off.
The Quebec wine market has shown the best growth of all the provinces for South African wines over the last two years. However, it is important that we continue to increase our exports of wine to Quebec. The wine industry makes a substantial contribution to the South African economy and to addressing the challenges we face as a developing country. And in this regard, I am very happy to see that there a re several emerging wineries participating at this event.
Ladies and Gentleman,
Quebec is a very important economic partner of South Africa. Many of your big companies like Bombardier and SNC Lavalin have substantial business interest in South Africa.
South Africa and Africa are this year hosting the world’s biggest sporting event when 32 countries compete from June 11 to July 11 for the FIFA World Soccer Cup. Quebec is also playing a role in this event. Quebecers can be proud as a consortium led by Bombardier has just completed a rapid train system that runs for Or Tambo airport to Johannesburg. This train will be an important link to transport some for the hundred of thousands of visitors that will coming to South Africa for the World Cup. It is also an important economic link between Quebec and South Africa.
I would like to use this opportunity to express our gratitude and appreciation to SAQ for a very constructive relationship. I would further like to thank all the importers, agents, distributors and the wine media for their contribution. Without your hard work, dedication and trust in the new South Africa, this would have not been possible.
Once again, thank you for this opportunity to be with you and we look forward to further strengthen the existing good relations between our two countries.
Thank you
