For the first time South African companies will be participating in the Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair, in Tanzania.

Rob Davies, Trade and Industry (dti) Minister, says,  “As a department, we recognise the importance of increasing trade between South Africa and other countries on the continent with the aim of boosting intra-Africa trade.”

A total of 14 companies are participating in the 38th edition of the fair taking place from 28 June to 8 July.

Davies adds, “The dti responded positively to the invitation by the organisers of the trade fair because it believes that the fair will provide a platform to strengthen bilateral trade between South Africa and Tanzania with the expectation of promoting intra-Africa trade, as well as economic integration of the continent.”

“We are confident that the group of businesspeople that we have assisted to participate in the multi-sectoral international trade fair in Tanzania will not only showcase the best of the products and services that this country can offer, but will also find markets in East Africa to export their products to, and identify opportunities for investment and joint ventures.”

The participation of the companies is through the Export Marketing and Investment Assistance (EMIA) scheme, which is part of the department’s export development strategy that is aimed at boosting the country’s export capacity.

The participation in the fair will enable representatives of the companies to gain regional and international business contacts from other companies exhibiting at the fair, as well as increase market knowledge about the Tanzanian market, among others.

Tanzania is South Africa’s 13th largest trading partner in Africa. Trade between South Africa and Tanzania currently stands at R4.67 billion.

During the past year, South Africa remained the 4th largest exporter to the Tanzanian market. The main products exported to Tanzania last year included base metals and articles, machinery and mechanical appliances, electrical equipment, sound recorders, mineral products, prepared foodstuffs, beverages, spirits and transport equipment.

Source: SAnews.gov.za