JOHANNESBURG, Jan. 21 (Xinhua) -- With the World Economic Forum (WEF) commencing in Davos on Tuesday, economists said this is a perfect opportunity for South Africa to engage with investors and present existing investment options in the country.
"South Africa should position itself as a gateway of choice for investment in Southern Africa and in Africa," Jannie Rossouw, head of Economic and Business Sciences School at Wits University, told Xinhua on Monday.
Since last year, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has been wooing investors into the country in order to revive the sluggish economy, Rossouw said, adding that the president could continue with his campaign in Switzerland.
"It's an ideal opportunity to showcase the country and attract investments. This matters because it's attended by political and business leaders," he said.
Rossouw noted that the investment South Africa likely to attract in Davos would benefit the economy, even though it won't be seen instantly.
Economist Lumkile Mondi predicted that investment would start flowing into South Africa after May's election.
"South Africa has a good story to tell, with a track record of being a good payer in-terms of the money, more investment should start coming in after the election," he said.
Mondi said that the country has many sectors that future investors could explore.
"We have so many opportunities, in particular in the field of infrastructure, energy, rail and road, as well as water. We need to present all these opportunities," he added.
Ramaphosa would lead the delegation to the annual meeting being held under the theme, "Globalization 4.0: shaping a Global Architecture in the Age of the Fourth Industrial Revolution."
Finance Minister Tito Mboweni, Trade and Industry Minister Rob Davies and other cabinet ministers would accompany Ramaphosa.
