The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC) will host a three-day Export Symposium and Expo at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand this week.
The event seeks to address global trade and tariff challenges and position South Africa for sustainable export-led growth. The event will run from October 14-16.
It will bring together key stakeholders, including government officials, private sector representatives, export-focused businesses and international trade experts to explore strategies for growing and diversifying exports.
Increasing trade with Africa, utilising international trade agreements, expanding value-added trade in goods and services and addressing key challenges, such as access to finance and market identification, will be high on the agenda.
Some 100 exhibitors across sectors, including aerospace and defence, agro processing, manufacturing, medical and pharma, rail services and crafts, automotive and components, boat building, chemicals, clothing and textiles, footwear and leather, film, furniture and decor, are expected to showcase their products and services at the event.
Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Zuko Godlimpi, said the department anticipated that businesses would generate business leads and secure distribution deals and export sales from the expected buyers from various regions.
“We are committed to the promotion of value-added trade with both traditional and emerging markets and fostering collaboration between government, business and labour to sustain export-led growth,” said Godlimpi.
“With this symposium, we want to provide a platform for dialogue on strategies to enhance South Africa’s export competitiveness, export capacity and market reach,” he said.
Export opportunities under regional groupings such as Brics+ (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Iran, Ethiopia and United Arab Emirates), the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and the Gulf will be explored to increase market access.
Trade agreements such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) will be explored to discover export opportunities. – SAnews.gov.za
