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Top trade show makes South Africa the focus for a continent's import and export future

SAITEX 2018 brings key business and government leaders from around the world together at Africa's largest product sourcing and trade show in Johannesburg

Africa’s biggest event for exporters and importers of products from around the world is forecast to be most successful in 25 years following a surge in business confidence across Southern Africa.

It follows the election of South Africa’s new President, Cyril Ramaphosa and the fall of Robert Mugabwe in Zimbabwe. This week in Rwanda 44 countries backed plans for a new African trade bloc, styled on the European Union.

Ramaphosa pledged SA’s support and said the new deal will “yield great benefits for all countries on the continent as well as big business, small companies and micro-traders."

Once in place it would simplify Africa’s current import and export bureaucracy and speed up cross-border trade. But it also offers an opportunity for importers from across the world to enter Africa with one product in one place. 

This new business-focused momentum is the heart of a three-day conference at SAITEX 2018, the premier conference and trade show that connects exporters, leading brands and manufacturers with importers, distributors and retailers. 

South Africa is considered the gateway to Sub-Saharan Africa and SAITEX brings more than 36 countries to exhibit as well as buyers from around the world for three days in Johannesburg.

“But SAITEX it is more than a trade show – it is one of the few events that attracts international government officials, diplomats and business leaders to discuss trade partnerships and agreements,” said Christine Davidson, Vice President of dmg events MEA, which organises SAITEX.

“And because of the fast-moving economic changes in the region, we have ensured this established meeting place facilitates further dialogue at influencer level. This year there is a new three-day conference at SAITEX: The Trade Development Forum. Alongside it, the vast exhibition floor will be packed with a wide range of products from around the world, everything from tools, electronic goods and gadgets to appliances, textiles and toys.”

Other key subjects on the discussion agenda includes SADC country spotlights, provincial showcases and key programmes highlighted by the Gauteng government.

To find out more about SAITEX 2018 go to www.saitexafrica.com




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