Future of Trade 2012 joins BRICS forum

Commenting on the inclusion, Stephen Oehley, director of the BRICS Africa Portfolio for Southern African Trade promotions, says there is a synergy between the events that covers all the bases for any business hoping to cut through the red tape of bureaucracy and forge new ties across borders.

"The prospects for international retailers to tap into the vast potential for trade and business in Africa and other emerging nations have increased exponentially with this development."

The fact that the events take place in South Africa is strategically significant. The country's sound financial sector and well-developed infrastructure as well as its history of independent decision making means it offers easy access to a consumer population in Africa of close to one billion people.

Added to this about 50 % of arable land is in Africa, so there is enormous potential for retailers to procure new markets for produce. The country is also a leader in mineral and industrial output, electricity generation and sophisticated service industries, making it a preferred entry point into the rest of the continent.

"The Future of Trade Africa covers the 'how to' aspect of doing business in Africa. It is a commerce exchange and business matchmaking platform and conference on how to succeed in Africa. Some of the big guns that have already made it on the continent, offer case studies and advice for prospective investors who might have been put off by the perceived difficulty of doing business here."

BRICS Forum

BRICS Africa Export Import Forum is an event designed to keep importers and exporters abreast of the constantly changing dynamics of international trade among the powerful emerging BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) economies.

"The forum will provide a solid knowledge base to help facilitate partnerships and trade opportunities between BRICS nations and countries across the African continent," adds John Thomson, MD of Exhibition Management Services, co-organisers of the event.

It is designed to maximise multilateral trade activity and includes a programme of educational workshops as well as a series of Intra-BRIC trade opportunity presentations.

The workshops cover everything a prospective trader might want to know from the prerequisites for successful international trading to selecting carriers and third-party logistics providers. These are followed by a cocktail function where participants can meet with presenters and network with other traders.

The country opportunity presentations are 45-minute themed slots, which are assigned to each of the BRICS countries.

"We've put together an interesting basket of talks that will enable representatives from each of the BRICS countries to put forward their case," says Nada Reyneke head of international trade at the Johannesburg Chamber of Commerce (JCCI). "These cover most of what a potential trader is likely to want to know, such as ease of conducting business, investment opportunities as well as import and export opportunities in that country."

For more information, email Stephen Oehley at moc.b2bacirfascirb@nehpets.