The Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry, Ms Elizabeth Thabethe officially opened the South African National Pavilion at the 56th Copperbelt Mining, Agricultural and Commercial Show (CACSS) in Kitwe, Zambia.
The Pavilion is an Export Marketing and Investment Scheme (EMIA) platform, created to assist both emerging and developed local exporters to identify new international markets and ultimately assist government to attract Foreign Direct Investment and grow South Africa’s economy.
In her address to the exhibitors, Deputy Minister Thabethe said that the objective of the South African Pavilion was not only to showcase the best local enterprises South Africa has to offer, but to also to address the question of doing trade and investment with African neighbours.
“I urge you to network aggressively and establish relations with prospective partners at this Expo, for it is my belief that Intra-Africa trade is key to our prospering as a country and as a continent. The Department of Trade and Industry (the dti) is here to make sure that you reach your potential, thereby ensuring that you can assist government create jobs and successfully implement the National Development Plan, the Growth Path and the Industrial Policy Action Plan,” said Thabethe.
She added that she looked forward to hearing news of good deals from the South African exhibitors and expressed hope that the experience would equip them with the necessary means to follow-up on their business relationships and venture more into Africa on their own.
CACSS founding member, Mr William Osborn said that he hoped that the South African exhibitors would do good business while in Zambia. “It is important that you do well for both our countries and I do wish that you acquire fruitful business opportunities through your stands. I am glad to have been partners with you as well as with the South African government,” he added.
The expo runs from 30 May till 2 June 2013.
Enquiries:
Sidwell Medupe, Departmental Spokesperson
Tel: 012 394 1650
Cell: 079 492 1774
E-mail: MSMedupe@thedti.gov.za
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