Hundreds of local and global trade representatives and export business leaders will descend on the Eastern Cape for the 6th Eastern Cape Export Symposium from August 21-22.
The symposium, which includes a two-day conference, exhibition and match-making meetings, is designed to drive inclusive economic growth and participation in the province. The event takes place at the East London International Convention Centre.
Eastern Cape Development Corporation CEO Ayanda Wakaba said the symposium aimed to develop new markets and partnerships for trade to make the most of the “untapped potential for exports” in the region.
The Eastern Cape makes significant contributions to various industries, it is a global leader in Mohair production, a major hub for automotive production, and a prominent player in the global citrus market.
“Despite these accomplishments, we believe that there is untapped potential for agricultural production and other exports in the Eastern Cape, along with promising opportunities for importing goods from across Africa,” Wakaba said.
Hosted under the theme "Think Eastern Cape: Think Opportunities", the event has the overarching objective of promoting trade and supply networks, and facilitating access to markets, resources, and the latest research.
“The symposium offers valuable resources, in-depth analysis, and networking opportunities that hold significance for the entire South African export community and serves as a magnet for participants from various parts of South Africa as well as international buyers and policymakers, but small and medium-sized enterprises play a key role,” Wakaba said.
More than 70 speakers, including leading trade specialists from the automotive, agriculture, renewable energy/environmental products, and natural fibres (including hemp and cannabis) sectors, as well as regional and national trade policymakers, will unpack opportunities at the event.
The conference will also provide in-depth analysis of developments and opportunities presented by South Africa’s international trade agreements, including the enlarged Brics, African Growth and Opportunity Act (Agoa), the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and trade with the European Union.
Sixty organisations, both exporters and export development agencies, will exhibit at the symposium. Exhibitors will represent several of the Eastern Cape’s priority sectors, including automotive, agro-processing and products and services related to the circular economy and renewables.
Speaking at the 5th annual Eastern Cape Export Symposium in East London, AfCFTA Secretary General Wamkele Mene said the Eastern Cape province’s geographic location on the southern African coastline predisposed it to “significant opportunity”.
“Eastern Cape, renowned for its automotive industry, involving the production of motor vehicles and parts, and a strong and varied agricultural sector, can significantly contribute to the development of the AfCFTA regional value chains in these two priority sectors,’’ Mene said.
