World Economic Forum a success, says Cabinet

19 Jun 2009

CAPE TOWN: The hosting of the 19th World Economic Forum (WEF) on Africa, which attracted over 800 participants from 50 countries, has been described as a success by the South African Cabinet.

"This forum created a valuable platform for political, business, labour and community leaders on the continent to discuss the impact of the global economic meltdown on the economies of the developing world," said SA government spokesperson Themba Maseko on Thursday, 18 June 2009.

Addressing the media following an ordinary cabinet meeting, Maseko said while the discussions ranged from the energy challenges to job losses, world leaders concluded that Africa would benefit greatly from the investments that would come with the hosting of the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

President Jacob Zuma, addressing the closing plenary of the forum on Friday, said that while there were many challenges facing Africa and that the resolution should come from all countries.

"What I've taken away is that the crisis which we are faced with affects all of us and there are initiatives to discuss the ways and means to try and address this crisis. There must be partnerships so that we resolve the problems," said Zuma.

Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga, Lesotho's Prime Minister Pakalitha Mosislili, Rwandan President Paul Kagame and Zambian President Rupiah Bwezani Banda also attended the forum.

Maseko said that the country's interaction with world leaders would continue with President Zuma's participation at the African Union Summit scheduled for early July in Libya, the G8 Summit in Italy as well as the resumption of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) next round of negotiations.

Article published courtesy of BuaNews