The Free State Investment Conference theme is: “Harnessing partnerships and stimulating growth and development through investments.”

As part of the government's efforts to grow the economy, it has hosted the second investment conference on Tuesday (27/2) at the Centenary Complex at the UFS in Bloemfontein.

The goal of the Free State government is to interact with important role-players and investors to pinpoint potential growth sectors and provide a framework to attract investment to the province.

"The Free State has the potential to be a major contributor to the energy security efforts of the country," said Premier Mxolisi Dukwana. Picture: Free State Provincial Government/Facebook

“The vision started in February when we came into government and looking back we realised we haven’t been doing much in terms of attracting investment, especially local investors into the province,” said Free State Premier Mxolisi Dukwana.

“For the first conference, there were pledges amounting to R2,5 billion but nothing came to fruition and this time we intend on raising the bar and we are hoping to set the tone and the leadership.”

Several exhibitors gathered to showcase their businesses and products. Picture: Zenande Mpame 

Exhibitors from all over the world gathered at the Centenary Complex to showcase their businesses and what they do and to hopefully get investors. Local and international investors are also in attendance at the conference.

Rohit Kumar from the Consulate General of India in Durban said he was promoting health products, food, and snacks made from Millet.

Millet products are gluten-free and have multiple health benefits. Picture: Zenande Mpame

“We are promoting millet and millet products and also informing people about the health benefits of it. It can be found in different forms such as snacks, noodles, and cookies.”

“The good thing is all these products are gluten-free and it has multiple health benefits.”

Deon Cornelissen and Riaan Pienaar from Southern Cross Industries. Picture: Zenande Mpame 

Southern Cross Industries is one of the exhibitors and said they want to remind people farming is a big part of the economy and  they produce products that can be transported all over the world.

“We manufacture windmills, lawnmowers, and also centrifugal pumps,” said Southern Cross Industries team member Deon Cornelissen.

OFM News/Zenande Mpame dg