"Africans are increasingly doing their shopping and procurement in Africa, expanding the continent's internal trade opportunities, and at the same time boosting overall economic growth in Africa," says John Thomson, MD of Exhibition Management Services, organisers of SAITEX.
Currently, only 12% of Africa's total trade volume is between African countries. The five BRICS nations account for 42% of the world population and 18% of the world's gross domestic product. "Although South Africa does not have the biggest economy - China does with its $5-trillion GDP - South Africa is regarded as the gateway to trade in Africa, not only with other African countries, but with the rest of the world and SAITEX is the key to that gateway," he adds.
Potential visitors can view the 2010 expo video on YouTube (SAITEX & Africa's Big Seven) and can pre-register at www.exhibitionsafrica.com to take advantage of the free internet-based business matchmaking programme and preview all exhibitors' products.
