TIKZN a catalyst for Southern African trade

KwaZulu-Natal is South Africa’s second largest economy, contributing on average 16.0% to the country’s GDP. The province is strategically positioned as it is home to two of Africa’s busiest and largest ports, Durban and Richards Bay. It also boasts the third highest export propensity and the second highest level of industrialisation in the country.

“The essence of this week is to establish an understanding and awareness of exporting and how KZN in particular can bridge the trade deficit gap between imports and exports, “ says Lester Bouah, Executive Manager: Export Development and Promotion at Trade Invest KwaZulu-Natal.

Not only will KZN Export Week highlight the significance of exporting to the local economy but the platform will celebrate and promote some of the exciting successes that many of the KwaZulu-Natal exporters have enjoyed.

“It's going to be bigger and bolder, mixing enhanced networking with fresh and new content. We are building on last year's success to create a platform where delegates can do more to accelerate export and trade,” says Bouah

Some of the exciting developments and additions for 2016 include:

• a hands-on, practical “KZN Export Week Export Essentials Seminar” targeted at emerging export companies; a content rich and strategic “Export Summit” as well as a Masterclass focusing on “How to Increase the Efficiency in the Movement of Goods in South Africa”,
  
• an exporters services and technology showcase expo allowing delegates to interact with suppliers to the sector
  
• extended networking and matchmaking on the exhibition floor, socials and lunches,
  
• co-location with the 5th annual African Ports Evolution Forum attracting over 2000 participants from Africa’s ports and logistics sector – giving delegates even broader access to organisations who can facilitate trade continentally.

The week concludes with a networking golf day and the ever popular Exporter of the Year award hosted by the Durban Chamber of Commerce.

Export Week is a must attend for any export ready organisation, whether seasoned or new to exporting. Delegates can expect new opportunities to network with and learn from industry heavyweights and pioneers to transform new ideas into action.