WASHINGTON DC TRADE PARTNERSHIP BENEFITS EMERGING SA EXPORTERS

Thanks to the support of the Department of Trade and Industry, a South African delegation comprising of small business exporters from the City of Johannesburg was able to participate in the 39th Annual Congressional Black Caucus Legislative Conference and Exhibition held in Washington DC recently.

Through this joint venture, the City of Joburg, Johannesburg Chamber of Commerce and industry, the Proudly South African Campaign, Gauteng Economic Development Agency and the event management services of Network International, were able to showcase products of emerging South African exporters selected from the Johannesburg Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

In this way the Mission fulfilled its aim to promote South African products and services in the international arena.

The Congressional Black Caucus Legislative Conference and Exhibition is a prestigious annual event that is frequented by thousands of African American elected officials, business and industry leaders.

The exhibition kicked off on Friday, 28 September 2009.  South Africa was the only country with a visual presence, with the exhibition stands of Mpumalanga Province and the City of Joburg strategically placed to create a proudly South African area.  Mpumalanga Province, through its economic development vehicle, MEGA, hosted a reception in Washington DC which was attended by the City of Joburg delegation, dignitaries from the Congressional Black Caucus and other VIP guests, providing an additional opportunity for networking and cementing of relations.

The South African stands attracted considerable attention and were visited by dignitaries, such as South Africa’s Deputy Minister of Police, Mr. Fikile Mbalula and the ANC Youth League leader, Mr. Julius Malema. Both were visibly impressed with the diverse array of products on display.

For further information, contact Mr. Gabriel Twala, Network International, tel: 011 467 6599, cell: 083 977 9774; gabriel@networkinternational.co.za

(Source: Mr. Gabriel Twala)