DURBAN - With the support of the government, more than 80 South African companies will be given the platform to showcase their products and services at the Intra African Trade Fair 2021 (IATF2021).
The event will take place at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre, in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal from November 15 to 21.
The Intra-African Trade Fair is aimed at providing a platform that links international buyers, sellers and investors as well as allowing for the visitors and participants to profile and share market information and investment opportunities in support of intra-African trade and economic integration of the continent.
African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) and the government of South Africa will be hosting the Intra African Trade Fair 2021. It is expected to draw more than 10 000 visitors and buyers, with the theme focussing on the newly-launched African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
According to Nomalungelo Gina, the Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, the IATF 2021 will see the provision of a unique and valuable platform for South African businesses to access an integrated African market of over 1.2 billion people.
“The trade fair will offer us 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,” said Gina.
“It will further highlight the best of South African local manufacturing capability in the agriculture and agro-processing; automotive; construction and infrastructure development; consumer goods; energy and power; engineering; footwear; leather and textiles; heavy industries and light manufacturing; health care and pharmaceuticals; information and communication technology and innovation; logistics; and mining sectors,” she added.
Gina emphasised that South Africa is committed to promoting intra-African trade and the growth of the African continent through the AfCFTA towards delivering opportunities for all African countries.
According to Gina, this goes beyond positioning the country as a major player in the continent and as an attractive and competitive business, investment and tourism destination.
According to the Premier of KwaZulu-Natal, Sihle Zikalala, “Our common destiny joins us at the hip with the sons and daughters of Africa who want this 21st century to be a story of shared prosperity for the people of Africa,” he said.
THE MERCURY