NOW Ep90: Davos Debrief part 2: Trade & investment in a multi-bilateral world

Loading player...
In the second episode of our Davos special edition, Investec guests Nick Riley, head of Investment Banking, and Dhiren Mansingh, head of Business Transactional Banking, discuss a significant shift in global trade from multi-lateralism to multi-bilateralism. This evolution places less emphasis on regional agreements and more on establishing direct bilateral relationships between countries. Our experts delve into how this transition impacts trade dynamics and how countries and companies can extract growth in an ever-changing environment.

Podcast key moments:

00:00 – Introduction
01:44 – What’s the sentiment on the ground in Davos?
04:18 – Is the weakest long-term growth outlook of developing economies on the agenda?
05:15 - What strategies can South African importers and exporters adopt to navigate these challenging conditions and seize potential trade opportunities?
07:17 – The risk of imported inflation
08:49 - How can South Africa attract investment in this challenging environment?
10:30 - What criteria will we use to evaluate the success of SA narrative, and how will we define what constitutes investment success?
11:51 – What is the current appetite among banks to finance these large-scale infrastructure projects in South Africa?
13:23 – What other vital investments should we consider, that will bolster South Africa’s growth?
14:26 - Are you spotting any potential opportunities for South African businesses amid trade challenges?
16:06 - What opportunities do you see for your corporate clients in this environment?
16:51 - How can technology facilitate the scaling of trade, and what specific mechanisms do you see at play?
18:24 - How is technology influencing this sector?
19:12 - Any talks or sessions you’re most looking forward to attending this week?

Read more on www.investec.com/now

Hosted by seasoned broadcaster, Jeremy Maggs, the No Ordinary Wednesday podcast unpacks the latest economic, business and political news in South Africa, with an all-star cast of investment and wealth managers, economists and financial planners from Investec. Listen in every second Wednesday for an in-depth look at what's moving markets, shaping the economy, and changing the game for your wallet and your business.
Chapters
  • 00:00 Introduction
  • 01:44 What’s the sentiment on the ground in Davos?
  • 04:18 Is the weakest long-term growth outlook of developing economies on the agenda?
  • 05:15 What strategies can South African importers and exporters adopt to navigate these challenging conditions and seize potential trade opportunities?
  • 07:17 The risk of imported inflation
  • 08:49 How can South Africa attract investment in this challenging environment?
  • 10:30 What criteria will we use to evaluate the success of SA narrative, and how will we define what constitutes investment success?
  • 11:51 What is the current appetite among banks to finance these large-scale infrastructure projects in South Africa?
  • 13:23 What other vital investments should we consider, that will bolster South Africa’s growth?
  • 14:26 Are you spotting any potential opportunities for South African businesses amid trade challenges?
  • 16:06 What opportunities do you see for your corporate clients in this environment?
  • 16:51 How can technology facilitate the scaling of trade, and what specific mechanisms do you see at play?
  • 18:24 How is technology influencing this sector?
  • 19:12 Any talks or sessions you’re most looking forward to attending this week?
21 Jan 2025 English South Africa Business · Investing

Other recent episodes

Macro Monday Ep135: The two sides to the AI investment boom

The AI story has been great for investors so far, but it may be making the Fed feel uncomfortable. AI investment is helping to fuel growth and inflation, potentially forcing the Fed to maintain a tighter policy stance – even though, says Global Chief Investment Officer Chris Holdsworth, the sectors…
12 Oct 5 min

No Ordinary Wednesday | Mini-Budget 2026: More revenue, less borrowing?

Stronger revenue offers an opportunity to reduce borrowing. Will spending pressures limit the gains? Ahead of the 2026 Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS), Investec’s Annabel Bishop and Tertia Jacobs to examine the choices facing National Treasury. Higher precious metals prices offer the prospect of better-than-budgeted tax revenue. But weaker growth,…
11 Oct 26 min

Macro Monday Ep134: Fixed income investors are having a tough time

There’s been an almost universal rise in bond yields around the world over the past few months. According to Global Chief Investment Officer Chris Holdsworth, developed markets have seen the biggest rises, with France one of the hardest hit, as it grapples with a worsening fiscal situation.
5 Oct 9 min

Macro Monday ep 133 | US growth is running hot

The US economy is running hot, with the latest indicators pointing to 5% GDP growth, ahead of market forecasts for third-quarter growth of 2.8%. This comes despite high oil prices and rising inflation and has implications for the US dollar and the prospects of the US being able to grow…
28 Sep 8 min

No Ordinary Wednesday | South Africa’s race to get connected

South Africa’s digital infrastructure is expanding rapidly, from data centres and fibre networks to satellites. But can the country provide the power, capital and regulatory certainty needed to turn digital investment into lasting growth? On No Ordinary Wednesday, Jeremy Maggs speaks to Investec CIB’s Louise Pillay, a telecoms and media…
23 Sep 19 min