Earlier this year the CDE of Monaco visited South Africa to develop trade relations between the two countries.
Franck Biancheri, President of the Monaco Chamber of Economic Development (CDE) led a delegation of the Principality's business leaders, representing banking and finance, consulting, frozen seafood, paper and packaging, and spa equipment design. They visited Johannesburg and Cape Town not only to establish trade partnerships and joint ventures, but also to assess the economic potential of the region.
The trade delegation builds on relationships that Prince Albert has already developed. Monaco's current sovereign is romantically linked with South African swimmer Charlene Wittstock, but he also welcomed Nelson Mandela to the Principality last year to help support the ex-President's charitable foundations. In addition, Monaco is working with the United Nations Development Program to support a youth training project in Gugulethu in Cape Town.
Further missions are planned for 2009 to the Czech Republic, Senegal, Ivory Coast and Brazil.