March 16, 2010
For Immediate Release

Government and business leaders debate South Africa’s growth prospects

In its ongoing commitment to provide intelligent market analysis for the region in a frank and open forum, Economist Conferences, part of The Economist Group, will host their Seventh Business Roundtable with the Government of South Africa in Johannesburg on March 30. A high profile list of attendees is expected to probe the prognosis of South Africa’s growth for the coming year and immediate challenges facing the government.

Government ministers, economic experts and members of the business community will discuss South Africa’s economic development and the challenges that lie ahead. Senior economic policymakers who will be contributing to the discussion include Pravin Gordhan, Minister of Finance; Rob Davies, Minister of Trade and Industry; Ebrahim Patel, Minister of Economic Development and Nelisiwe Magubane, Director General, Ministry of Energy.

This high-level debate will focus on key questions such as: How will the South African Government steer the country out of recession in a more competitive international context? How will the Government build the foundations of future competitiveness, particularly by ensuring a reliable energy supply and the availability of skilled human resources? How will the Government address the growing concerns of the electorate, providing jobs, housing and electricity, better schooling and healthcare?

Other areas for discussion will include: the shape of the global recovery and how it will it affect Africa; where domestic demand will come from; how much of a boost the World Cup will give South Africa in the medium term; the future of BEE; the plans to develop the country’s power infrastructure and the implications of China and India’s growing roles in the region.

The corporate viewpoint will be presented by ABB; Absa Capital; Actom; AREVA; Coca-Cola; International Ferro Metals; Pick ’n Pay; Sekunjalo Investments and Standard Bank.

The event will be chaired by Pratibha Thaker, Regional Director for Africa at the Economist Intelligence Unit.

"South Africa has established itself as a regional economic powerhouse and a major destination for foreign business; however, it has to manage growth and jobs in turbulent times. Beyond the 2010 World Cup, policy makers will have to continue to focus on strategic issues and capitalise on South Africa's opportunities in order to go to the next level.  This Roundtable will bring together a highly influential group of top government officials, business leaders and opinion-makers to stimulate a debate about strategic issues and innovative ways to tackle infrastructure challenges to bolster South Africa’s competitiveness in a global and regional environment", says Thaker about the conference.

Notes to editors:
The event will take place on Tuesday, March 30 from 8am at the Michelangelo Hotel in Sandton.
Africa analysts from the Economist Group will be available for interview around the event.
For more information or bookings email cemearegistrations@economist.com or go to www.economistconferences.com/southafrica
Sponsors: Standard Bank, AREVA, Coca-Cola South Africa

For further information please contact:
Karen Levent, Marketing Manager SSA, The Economist Group
Tel: +971 4 433 4216
Email: karenlevent@economist.com

About Economist Conferences:
Economist Conferences is the leading provider of international forums for senior executives seeking independent insights into strategic issues. These meetings include industry conferences, management events and government roundtables held around the world. As part of The Economist Group, the publisher of The Economist newspaper, we are a highly respected brand with a 162-year history.
www.economistconferences.com

About The Economist Group:
The publications and services delivered under The Economist brand are The Economist newspaper, The Economist online, Economist Intelligence Unit, Economist Conferences, The World In and Intelligent Life. The Group’s other brands include: CQ-Roll Call Group and European Voice (aimed at decision-makers on Capitol Hill and Brussels respectively) and EuroFinance, a cash and treasury management event business. The Economist Group is privately owned.
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