Daniel Mminele: German G-20 presidency in 2017 - opportunities and challenges for South Africa

Address by Mr Daniel Mminele, Deputy Governor of the South African Reserve Bank, at the Deutsche Bundesbank regional office for Hamburg, Mecklenburg Western Pomerania and Schleswig-Holstein, Hamburg, 26 January 2017.

The views expressed in this speech are those of the speaker and not the view of the BIS.

1. Introduction

Good evening, ladies and gentlemen.

Thank you to Dr Andreas Dombret, member of the Executive Board of the Deutsche Bundesbank, and to Dr Arno Bäcker, President of the Deutsche Bundesbank regional office for Hamburg, Mecklenburg Western Pomerania and Schleswig-Holstein for the kind invitation to speak to you today in this great Hanseatic city.  

This is certainly an intriguing city, often referred to as 'the gateway to the world' and 'the Venice of the North', names derived from the fact that Hamburg is home to one of the largest harbours in Europe, and therefore the centre of German trade. Interestingly, it has more bridges than Venice. We also know that Hamburg has a vibrant cultural life when it comes to art and music, including its unique association with the Beatles.