BRICS Africa Export Import Forum: South Africa’s position as “Africa’s Gateway” Solidified

March 20, 2012 - PRLog -- This strategic advantage gives the country a valuable and unique role as a member of BRICS, the powerful ‘emerging economies’ alliance between Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.

BRICS member nations will form the backbone of the inaugural BRICS Africa Export Import Forum, an event designed to keep importers and exporters abreast of the constantly changing dynamics of international trade.

“The Forum will provide a solid knowledge base to help facilitate partnerships and trade opportunities between BRICS nations and countries across the African continent,” says John Thomson, Managing Director of Exhibition Management Services, co-organisers of the event. The three-day Forum is designed to maximise multilateral trade activity, and includes a programme of Intra-BRIC trade opportunity presentations, as well as a series of educational workshops.

“The Forum takes place alongside two major shows; Africa’s Big Seven Food and Beverage trade exhibition, and the Southern African International Trade Exhibition,” adds Thomson. “With close on 800 exhibitors at these shows, the Forum delegates will have access to participants from more than 50 countries – and limitless trade opportunities.” All the events take place from 15 to 17 July at Gallagher Convention Centre, Midrand.

“With a sound financial sector, a well-developed infrastructure and a history of independent decision-making, South Africa offers BRIC nations easy access to a consumer population in Africa of one billion people, and provides a sound base for future expansion into the continent,” adds Thomson. The country is also a leader in mineral and industrial output, electricity generation and sophisticated service industries. “Africa is the world’s third-fastest growing market – and BRIC countries are actively seeking access to African markets to fuel their rise by buying primary resources and exporting manufactured goods,” continues Thomson. “The BRIC nations see South Africa as the preferred entry point into the rest of the continent.”

He points out that South Africa is thinking BRICS; expanding flight connections and marketing tourism to BRICS countries. “We are even tailoring investment opportunities and terms to meet the needs of our new strategic partners.”

India Welcomes Forum Participation

“India attaches considerable importance to BRICS and welcomes South Africa’s entry into this organisation of emerging economies,” say Virendra Gupta, India’s High Commissioner. “The BRICS Africa Export Import Forum naturally provides us with a useful opportunity to meet with South African companies and business entities.”

India will be participating in a special trade symposium on BRICS and Africa – as will all the other BRICS members – Russia, India and China.

Gupta confirms that the trade ties between India and South Africa have witnessed “rapid acceleration” during the past few years. “Bilateral trade has already crossed the figure of US$ 11 billion in 2010-11 and we are now working on the target of US$15 billion by 2014 which has been set by the Trade Ministers of the two countries,’ he continues.  “Investment flows both ways have also been equally robust, having already crossed the mark of US$10 billion.”

Gupta adds that India follows a long-term approach in their dealings with Africa and aims to consolidate and build upon their historic ties with countries in the continent.  “Our focus accordingly has been on building partnerships through requisite contribution to capacity building and human resource development,” he concludes.

Website: http://www.bricsafricab2b.com

Contact details
For more information on SAITEX, contact Anina Hough at Exhibition Management Services. Tel: +27 11 783 7250. saitex@exhibitionsafrica.com

For more information on Africa’s Big Seven contact Lineke van der Brugghen at Exhibition Management Services. Tel: +27 11 783 7250. admin@exhibitionsafrica.com

For more information on the BRICS Africa Export/Import Forum, visit www.bricsafricab2b.com or contact Stephen Oehley at SA Trade Promotions. Tel: +27 11  026 6313. E-mail: stephen@bricsafricab2b.com

For more information on the JCCI’s trade opportunity sessions, contact Nada Reyneke on 011 726 5300 or e-mail nada@jcci.co.za

About Exhibition Management Services

South African-based Exhibition Management Services (EMS) is one of the longest established event organisers in the country and is still the only company on the continent experienced in delivering Pan African exhibition programmes. Events to date have been established in: Botswana, Cote d'Ivoire, Ghana, Kenya, Mozambique, Nigeria, Tanzania, Zambia, South Africa, Angola and Zimbabwe. With nearly 30 years networking in Africa, EMS’s databases are unique in the industry allowing for unrivalled identification, notification and participation of qualified trade visitors to their events.

About South African Trade Promotion Services

SATP is an event development and management company that in partnership with Exhibition Management Services (Pty) Ltd (EMS) has developed the BRICS Africa Portfolio of Business Promotion products. SATP focuses on the development of innovative and practical solutions that add value and benefits to both exhibitors and visitors attending trade exhibitions.  

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Contents:
Issued by:       CVLC
Date Issued:    16 March 2012
Contact Persons: Catherine Larkin
Telephone:       (011) 789-7327 / 083-300-0331
Fax:          (011) 787-7865
E-mail:                    catherine@cvlc.co.za
Postal Address:    P O Box 44945, Linden, 2104, South Africa

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South African Trade Promotions has developed the BRICS Africa Portfolio and focuses on the development of innovative and practical solutions that add value and benefits to both exhibitors and visitors attending trade exhibitions.