Joint effort to boost international business in Durban

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This will be achieved by assisting local companies with international market access; providing relevant, reliable information to SMMEs; and improving business skills to enhance the competitiveness of South African businesses in the global marketplace.

"The promotion of exporting is a national economic priority as set out in the National Development Plan. The Durban Chamber has always offered services to exporters and wishes to extend this to SMMEs that might be assisted to become exporters. International trading is a complex business to undertake and is not to be taken up lightly without adequate preparation. The partnership forged with Garlicke & Bousfield will enable the Chamber to offer expert guidance on this matter with the hope that, in the course of time, many more exports emanating from Durban companies will leave the port for international markets," said Layman.

A concerted effort

Dumile Cele, DCCI's business services manager said: "We are making a concerted effort to encourage businesses to look for markets beyond South African borders and increase their participation in the global marketplace. In an effort to support and increase the competitiveness of the business community as it embarks on increased international business, we have developed a partnership with Garlicke & Bousfield to implement some International Trade Support Programmes for KZN businesses."

"Garlicke & Bousfield appreciates Durban's growing need for international business and recognises its challenges. We are excited to work jointly on these issues with the DCCI," said Brian Jennings.

"Garlicke & Bousfield's commitment to support the DCCI in the international arena is believed to be the first venture of its kind by a law firm in the province," added Richard Cookson, an international business specialist associated with Garlicke & Bousfield, who will be spearheading the project.

The Memorandum of Understanding will allow the two parties to strengthen Durban's capacity for international business. The project's objectives will be achieved by jointly organised Export Readiness Seminars; an International Business Mentorship Programme, a Legal, HR and Accounting Toolkit (for SMMEs); and monthly International Business Dialogue Sessions.

Cookson has 30 years' experience advising clients on cross-border transactions. He has travelled to, and conducted business in, every continent, visiting some 80 countries and territories worldwide. He has advised on transactions involving China since 1984 and practiced law in England. He also worked in the US for an engineering group, the flagship company of which won a Governor's Award for Export under his guidance. He has been advising Garlicke & Bousfield's clients on a diverse range of international cross-border transactions since 2012 and gives talks, runs seminars and has penned a number of articles and handbooks on the subject. He also lectures on International Business to MBA students at a university in the US.

Cookson is admitted as a solicitor (attorney) in England and Hong Kong, and as an advocate (barrister) in South Africa. He has a string of qualifications behind his name and is affiliated with various professional institutions related to his profession.