The dti has extended an “Invitation to Participate in an Investment and Trade Initiative to the Democratic Republic of Congo, from 27 May 2012 to 2 June 2012”. The dti invites you to apply to participate in an Investment and Trade Initiative to Kinshasa and Lubumbashi in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to enhance trade and investment between South Africa and the DRC. In 2011 the real gross domestic product (GDP) in the DRC was 6.5%, with the main economic drivers being construction, mining and public services. Agriculture continues to be the dominant sector of the economy. South Africa’s exports to the DRC stood at R7 653 372 in 2011, making the DRC South Africa’s fourth largest key trading partner in Africa. The DRC presents a wealth of business opportunities for South African companies in various sectors. This ITI will involve a mini exhibition, trade and investment seminars and pre-arranged business-to-business meetings. The ITI is scheduled to take place in Kinshasa and Lubumbashi from 27 May to 2 June. The dti invites companies in the following sectors to apply to participate in the ITI: Agro-processing, Chemicals (Fertilizers), Construction, Infrastructure, Mining and Capital Equipment, Engineering, ICT, Energy, Automotive Components, and High-End Furniture. This opportunity also applies to companies seeking to attract foreign direct investment and project owners/managers seeking joint venture partnerships in the sectors identified above. Companies that apply to participate in this ITI need to be export-ready, competitive in the South African market and have been in business for two to three years. Preference will be given to BEE and women-owned companies. Companies that apply to participate will be screened and selected in line with the dti's Export Marketing and Investment Assistance (EMIA) Scheme and market requirements. The dti will offer the following financial support to qualifying companies: • A subsistence allowance of R2 000 per day; • Economy Class return airfares to a maximum of R13 000; and • Freight forwarding of participants’ samples/marketing materials. Companies that would like to apply to participate in this ITI are required to complete and submit an EMIA ITI application form as well as the supporting documentation as listed in the EMIA application forms and guideline documents. Your application form with the relevant supporting documentation should be submitted to the dti by no later than 28 March 2012.