TRADE FAIR OPPORTUNITIES

The South African International Business Linkages (saibl) Trade and AGOA team have identified trade fairs that take place in a number of target countries this year: Botswana, Ghana, Namibia, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe, South Africa and the USA. In addition, they may organise trade missions to these countries.

saibl assists clients on a cost-sharing and reimbursement basis to cover stand or booth costs, accommodation, airfare, freight and daily allowance. Saibl offices in the target countries assist in promoting a company, schedule appointments and make post-event follow ups.

saibl trade assistance includes the following:

• cost-sharing on airfare, stand cost, accommodation, freight, daily allowance;
• pre-, during, and post-trade fair assistance (scheduling and accompanying clients to appointments, manning the booth, follow-ups with prospective buyers, due diligence);
• training (where possible).

Members are invited to participate in any of these events, or to indicate to the organisers if they are aware of any other events that they may be interested in participating, but which has not been enlisted.

Kindly contact Cos Mamhunzec (cosmas.mamhunze@eciafrica.com) or Bongi Mbili (bongekile.mbili@eciafrica.com) by 10 March, 2010 or visit www.saibl.co.za for more details.

The saibl Trade Team has also indicated that travelling arrangements for the period May to July 2010 have to be done well in advance due to the FIFA World Cup.

In conclusion, saibl summarises the main reasons for participating in trade missions or exhibitions as follows:

• Generating sales leads and actual sales;
  
• Enhancing a company’s image and visibility;
• Prospecting for new customers, agents/distributors;
  
• Reaching and educating the target audience;
  
• Demonstrating and introducing new products;
  
• Personally meeting customers, competitors and suppliers;
  
• Improving the effectiveness and efficiency of marketing efforts.