Gauteng export award entries reflect bumper year

Although times are getting tougher, the Johannesburg Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI) was still able to celebrate a record number of entries for the 2007 JCCI-Absa Gauteng exporter of the year awards. Chamber CEO Keith Brebnor expressed delight at the province’s export achievements during 2007, and the growth of the number of entries. “This year’s record number of entrants reflects the favourable global trading conditions in 2007,” Brebnor told FTW. “Since the competition was launched in 2001, entrants have shown that this small country on the faraway tip of Africa is capable of delivering a marvellous diversity of products and a level of quality and service that is world-class.” There are five categories in the competition – small, medium and large manufacturers, export services, and emerging exporter – and the award winners will be announced on November 12. And it’s not just export volumes that are taken into account, Brebnor added, but also the strategies adopted by exporters to accommodate the effect of the volatile rand; innovative marketing strategies; continuity of supply; the introduction of products or services specifically for export; staff training; and environmental awareness. The naming rights sponsor for the awards are Absa Bank; the department of trade and industry (DoT&I); Transnet; Credit Guarantee; and Safcor Panalpina.