Limpopo strengthens economic ties with Swaziland

The Swaziland Investment Promotion Authority (SIPA) extended an invitation to Trade and Investment Limpopo (TIL) among others to be part of the trade show which includes exhibitions and business linkages with the economic development cluster of Swaziland.

In total nine South African businesses and exhibitors, in areas of mining, construction, agriculture, arts and crafts and fashion will exhibit at the trade show, which will be held from Friday 22 August to 1 September 2008.

It will be hosted by the Kingdom of Swaziland Ministry of Foreign Affairs at the Mavuso International Trade and Exhibition Centre in Manzini. The Swazi King, Mswati III is scheduled to open the gathering.

TIL general manager for International Operations Manabile Shogole, said the trade show formed part of the strategic alliance they were forging with Swaziland.

The two investments promotion agencies signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in May, but that resulted from the International Business Linkage Program (IBLP).

The business showpiece is in line with the Limpopo Provincial Regional Economic Integration Strategy which aims to develop local products and markets.

TIL acting chief executive, Julius Mapatha, said they were encouraged by the increasing number of collaborative business development projects which seek to concretise integrated regional economic activity.

He said the trade show coincided with the Ongwendiva Trade Fair in Namibia to be attended by Limpopo Premier Sello Moloto on Saturday.

"We are humbled by the Swaziland Investment Promotion Authority invitation, and the opportunity to promote Limpopo commerce while at the same time engaging in market intelligence work with our neighbouring states," he said.

Article published courtesy of BuaNews.