DURBAN - IT’S all systems go for the Intra-African Trade Fair where President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to speak at the opening session on Monday at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre (Durban ICC).
The province is hosting the second IATF from November 15 to 21, being held under the theme, focusing on the newly launched African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
At the weekend Premier Sihle Zikalala was joined by MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Ravi Pillay for an inspection of the venue.
“The trade fair is expected to yield massive economic spin-offs for KwaZulu-Natal and the country as a whole. It will also attract high-level delegations, including heads of state from the continent. We estimate that the IATF 2021 will attract 10 000 buyers and sellers, 1 100 exhibitors, and will result in R596 billion in trade deals,” Zikalala said.
He said the fair would provide a long-lasting partnership for businesses in the province and play a significant role in the economic recovery and reconstruction plan for the province.
The IATF is hosted by the South African government in conjunction with the African Export-Import Bank, and is aimed at providing a platform for sharing trade, investment and market information from African countries. Prominent African and international thought leaders and experts will share perspectives on a variety of themes relevant to African trade and investment.
There will be dedicated sessions and training workshops on exports, standards and marketing.
The fair is expected to draw more than 10 000 visitors and buyers, with more than 80 South African companies having the opportunity to showcase their products and services.
More than 1 000 exhibitors from across Africa are to also showcase their goods and services.
“The trade fair will provide a unique and valuable platform for the South African businesses to access an integrated African market of over 1.2 billion people with a gross domestic product of over $2.5 trillion (R38 trillion) created under the AfCFTA.
“The trade fair offers South Africa an opportunity to profile and market proudly South African goods and services, build lasting networks and establish collaborations that will increase South Africa’s goods and services exports into the continent and position South Africa as the partner of choice,” Tyrone Seale, acting spokesperson for the president, said.
Daily News