‘Services represent 2% of the world’s GDP

South Africa boasts a diverse services sector ranging from tourism to construction, as well as being a champion of the emerging market, ITC director Dr Friedrich von Kirchbach said at last week’s Service Export Network conference in Sandton. “This network is about fostering innovation, forging networks and providing a platform for our members and trade specialists from across the globe to share services trade expertise.” Dr Von Kirchbach said services were globally considered the “brainpower that fuels entrepreneurship and employment”. “Services represent 2% of the world’s gross domestic product. This network celebrates the innovation and the role services play, bringing the experts together to share best practices to collaborate and learn from each other.” Dr Von Kirchbach said the SEN profiled South Africa as a service-focused economy by showcasing the country’s efficient, capable and competitive services to trade organisations from 40 countries participating in the event, which is by invitation only. “All participants in this event have a common goal – to promote and understand service exports. The event provided South Africa with the unique opportunity to position its services sector in the minds of influential individuals.” Said Emmanuel Barreto, senior adviser on trade in services at the ITC: “A service provider is selling a promise. The product is invisible and a sale is based on credibility. It is all about reputation, and buying decisions are made easier when having a good word from those that we trust. SEN makes the invisible visible. It focuses on building a network among trade support institutions from developing countries and on sharing knowledge, building rapport and developing reputations. It helps people – even the poorest of the poor – to trade in services.”