SAITEX offers profitable Asian connections

Encouraging India-Africa trade

India is South Africa's sixth-largest Asian trading partner, with total trade between the two countries reaching USUS$4.4 billion in 2008. Indian companies have returned en masse for this year's SAITEX, and will be exhibiting on the Indian Pavilion to showcase new products and services.

India is using the exhibition to boost trade and create new partnerships. "Last year, our exhibitors were very happy with the results, as most of them returned with firm orders," says Vikram Doraiswami, the Indian consul general. "I am confident that we will enjoy an even better result this year."

Last year, two-way trade between India and Africa represented about 8% of India's total world trade, worth approximately US$30 billion. The Associated Chamber of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM) reports that trade between India and Africa is likely to grow by 22% in the next two years, reaching US$55 billion in 2012, of which almost 30% will be agri-trade. This is predicted to rise to US$70 billion by 2015.

Some examples of products that will be exhibited include electronic and audiovisual equipment, industrial products, textiles, jute, leather products, wool and woollen products, handicraft items, jewellery, cosmetic and ayurvedic products, borehole components, submersible pumps and electric motors.

100 Chinese stands

The substantial number of Chinese companies participating in this year's show reflects growing Sino-Africa trade opportunities. Trade between China and the African continent reached an estimated US$91 billion last year, despite the global recession. "Since 2000, China and Africa have established a new kind of strategic partnership featuring political equality, mutual trust and economic win-win cooperation," says Zhang Yongpeng, deputy director for the Office of International Relations at the Institute for West Asian and African Studies (IWAAS).

These exhibitors will showcase a comprehensive selection of industrial products in many categories, ranging from buses, gas and diesel engines, generators, electrical transmission and distribution equipment, pumps, electric motors, insulators, light industrial products, air conditioning systems, automotive components and trim, as well as many others. Many of the exhibiting companies have ISO certified plants in China and supply materials, equipment and components to leading brand manufacturers around the world.

China business opportunities seminar

To further boost growing Sino-African trade, a dedicated China business opportunities seminar, 'Trading and Investment Forum between China Chengdu and South Africa,' takes place on July 26 from 2pm to 5pm. The seminar will introduce the city's investment environment and explore major investment projects to delegates. It will also cover the region's furniture manufacturing industry, food and beverage market, as well as similar sectors in South Africa. The seminar offers business matchmaking opportunities and will be attended by officials from the Commercial Bureau of Chengdu, the Chengdu Municipality; the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Chengdu; the Chamber of Furniture Import and Export of Chengdu; the Chengdu Chamber of Food and Beverage and a delegation from 30 Chengdu enterprises.

For more on exhibitors, go to 'Product Preview' links on the website www.exhibitionsafrica.com.