Trade Point SA adds new resource to SMME export support

LAST WEEK saw the official launch of Trade Point South Africa, a new resource designed to facilitate entry into international markets for smaller companies. “As custodians of the Trade Point concept in South Africa,” says Small Enterprise Development Agency (Seda) CEO Wawa Damane, “we are adding a powerful dimension to our Export Development Programme, furthering small enterprise’s exposure to international markets and providing a safe trading platform. “The establishment of Trade Point centres countrywide will increase the participation of local small enterprises in international trade by providing the efficient support, information and networking platforms they need.” Trade Point South Africa (TPSA) will establish satellite offices in each province, linked with local Seda branches and established in partnership with local and provincial government and business chambers. Two offices are operational in Johannesburg and Durban, with an office in Nelson Mandela Bay to follow soon. All TPSA offices will serve as “one-stop-shops,” where small enterprises can obtain a full set of services and information about exporting and other related aspects of international trade. Globally, Trade Point operates through a network of over 100 Trade Point centres in more than seventy countries worldwide, assisting small enterprises to trade internationally by using electronic commerce technologies. Seda specialist responsible for TPSA, Teresa Jardim, explains: “Trade Point facilitates transactions between trading partners, as well as offering trade related information through a database that provides traders with data about market opportunities, potential clients and suppliers. Essential information on trade regulations and requirements in various countries is also available.”