Western Cape Premier Helen Zille is jetting off to Singapore and Japan. But there will be no play — it is all work for the politician‚ who hopes to boost trade between her province and these countries.

One of the Western Cape’s big plans is to become a big player in the global $2.3 trillion halaal market. A proposed R1-billion halaal agri-processing food park in the province is still on the table. And officials hope it will allow the province to increase its share in the fast-growing market.

“Our halaal issuing authorities are well accepted in Singapore‚ where no additional local work on halaal certification is required. Singapore has excellent access to the broader Asia region‚ where their halaal certification is widely accepted (including countries such as Indonesia)‚” a statement from Zille’s office read.

“It is hoped that access to Singapore will open opportunities for further trade with neighbouring countries‚ since they hold processed products coming through Singapore in high regard.”

Her visit to Singapore is set for March 9 to 11. Then it is off to Japan — South Africa’s third largest trade partner — where her stay is expected to last until March 15.

“Over 100 Japanese companies with investments in South Africa provide skills development‚ training and advancement to their South African employees (South African nationals) and contribute to the transfer of technologies‚” the statement continued.

“Premier Zille will have an opportunity to engage with some companies that have invested in Cape Town and further address high-level business stakeholders on the investment opportunities available in the province.”