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GEDA GM takes top RTPO position
At the first African-held Annual General Assembly of the International Network for Regional Trade Promotions Organization (RTPO), held in Johannesburg late last week, the organisation named Mudunwazi Baloyi, GM of Trade and Investment Promotion at GEDA, as the new president. He takes over from Gerardo Juarez of Argentina's Cordoba organisation.
"I am very pleased with the endorsement given to Gauteng and specifically GEDA by the election," said Baloyi. "GEDA is the only African body represented on the RTPO and so we go forward into the future with the responsibility of being an African trailblazer in this very important area of the global economy."
Gauteng was one of 10 world economic regions represented at assembly. Others were Quebec (Canada), Guanajuato (Mexico), Cordoba & Mendoza (Argentina), Hong Kong (China), Catalonia (Spain), Rhône-Alpes, Bretagne & Aquitaine (France), Flanders and Wallonia (Belgium), Baden Wurttemberg (Germany) and Emilia-Romagna (Italy).
The event addressed key issues affecting trade relations, the cost of doing business and the effect of the recent global financial crisis on the trade balance portfolio amongst RTPO member organisations. Also forming part of the programme was information sessions on doing business in Africa, as well as a demonstration of Gauteng's competitiveness and relevance to global markets.
Breaking protectionism
Baloyi said, "This network of regional trade promotion associations is the chance for Gauteng-based entrepreneurs to look at internationalising their businesses." He stressed this was important for several key reasons - among them the need for Gauteng to increase its contribution to South Africa's GDP in order to assist the government in achieving a 6% growth target. "This means forming meaningful relationships with other regional markets that can immediately and substantially benefit the businesses that are located here."
Another pressing reason was the increasing trend towards protectionist measures being adopted by different economies around the world. "As regions we need to look at entering strategic relationship with our partners in RTPO and, through these, break through some of the barriers that have been put in place and effectively do business in key global markets."
In his address, the outgoing president also stressed the importance of regional networks in the organisation's main objective of "internationalising" enterprises that are found in each specific region.
Go to www.geda.co.za for more information.
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