China becomes official partner of SAITEX
Zhigang Lei, First Secretary (Economic and Commercial Office) at the China Embassy, has announced that China will become an official partner of the Southern African International Trade Exhibition (SAITEX), the first time the country has done so.
He said the partnership offers exciting opportunities for both Chinese and local companies. Over 400 Chinese exhibitors are present at this years' exhibition with products in 3500 different categories. The exhibition takes place at Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand, Johannesburg from Sunday 30 June to Tuesday 2 July.
"The Chinese government places great value on enhancing business relations with the BRICS countries," said Lei. "South Africa is China's largest export destination for the African continent. This encourages Chinese businesses to focus on developing countries and new emerging markets."
He added that, although Chinese companies participate in numerous exhibitions, SAITEX attracts the most in Africa. "It offers professional services and facilities and is the only multi-sectoral event of its kind in Africa. Even old exhibitors enjoy coming back to strengthen business relationships with their partners. For new exhibitors, it is the opportunity to show case their products into an emerging market and develop new business roads.
"We have a very strong relationship with the show. Last year, the Ministry of Commerce China set up a mini brand show, which proved to be a success. This confirmed our desire to be involved in 2013 and now we will have a China pavilion."
"To encourage this interest from China, we have business matchmaking," says John Thomson, MD of Exhibition Management Services, organisers of the show. "The business matchmaking is an online service that allows visitors and exhibitors to arrange meetings before hand. This is an opportunity for vast networking, potential business deals and a way to create new avenues of income."
Entrance to the expo is free.
