Company Announcement - Trade Minister Lord Livingston is set to back British businesses at the world’s biggest mining event in South Africa this week. He will visit between 9th and 11th February, leading the UK group at the African Mining Indaba 2015 in Cape Town. During his trip he will also hold bilateral meetings with senior South African Ministers, including Minister in the Presidency Jeff Radebe and Trade Minister Rob Davies. The aim will be to strengthen the relationship between the UK and South Africa, particularly in support of the National Development Plan.

While at the Africa Mining Indaba 2015, Lord Livingston will deliver a keynote speech, providing a UK perspective on African mining, lead the Great Britain campaign funded UK Pavilion in support of British businesses attending the Indaba. He will also meet a range of ministers from Africa with a view to increasing the level of collaboration on mining and extractives sectors between the UK and Africa.

On the eve of his visit, Lord Livingston said:

“I am looking forward to strengthening our trade ties with South Africa on this trip, particularly as I host the first ever UK pavilion at Mining Indaba in Cape Town.

“South Africa is currently the top trading partner for the UK in Africa, with bilateral trade worth £10bn annually, and we have much to gain from our strong economic and commercial links.”

The strong UK Government presence at this year’s event is further augmented by the hosting of a panel event on the Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights. As Chair of the Voluntary Principles, the discussion will be facilitated by the British High Commissioner to South Africa, Mrs Judith Macgregor and will focus on the role of the Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights in helping extractive companies to manage human rights risks where they operate across Africa.