‘We have a good business relationship with South Africa and we see this country as our gateway to the rest of Africa’

Government ministers and ambassadors from around the world yesterday (Monday June 20) joined retailers and entrepreneurs in Johannesburg at SAITEX 2016 and its co-located expo Africa’s Big Seven.

It was the second day for two of Africa’s most prominent trade shows, which has already seen more than 7,000 participants visiting almost 800 international exhibitors.

And visitors revealed a string of positives for both South African importers, the wider sub-Saharan market alongside opportunities for export.

The Taiwanese Ambassador to RSA, His Excellency John C Chen, was one of 10 country ambassadors who paid official visits over the first two days of the shows. Several other ambassadors were also spotted discussing business with their exhibiting countrymen.

“We have a good business relationship with South Africa and we see this country as our gateway to the rest of Africa,” said HE Chen, after he toured the 18 exhibitors Taiwanese exhibitors at SAITEX who showed a range of products which included bathroom accessories, houseware, hosiery and computer equipment.

The ambassador said: “So far the exhibitors tell me they have had a very good show. SAITEX is extremely important for us and is a way to make business links with not only South Africa, which is our biggest trade partner on the continent, but also other countries represented here.”
His thoughts were echoed by senior government officials from almost all of the 26 different countries exhibiting at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand.

Visitors expressed satisfaction with their day – some were already changing their plans and returning a second time to ensure they saw as much as possible.

Ogbonna C Gabriel of is CEO Merock Trading in Johannesburg visited SAITEX intent on meeting on of more than 250 Chinese exhibitors.

“I want to find someone who can make textiles to our design and produce the clothing,” he said. “I’m a member of the Progressive Business Alliance RSA and SAITEX is a key meeting point for importers and exporters.”

But alongside visitors with a specific plan to meet international suppliers who had come to South Africa, other visitors were looking to discover the opportunities at the show.

Jan Lethoko, is Manager at the Future Bakery & Deli in Johannesburg wanted to see the range of products from around the world among the 200 exhibitors, and said: “Africa’s Big Seven is an excellent trade exhibition.”

Oupa Kekana, Entrepreneur, Star-Beat Creations in Johannesburg was focused on almost 600 SAITEX exhibitors. He said: “My visit to SAITEX was very good, it is an exceptional show. I am already looking forward to attending the next event.”

And inside many exhibitors enjoyed a successful second day, like Gilda do Rego, Sales Director, at Plastic Ideas, South Africa in Hall 2. “Africa’s Big Seven is an awesome platform for networking within the food and beverage industry and for international business opportunities,” she said. “We are hoping that this year business will supersede last year.”

Fellow exhibitor Michael Tloubatla, Owner, Mabekane Foods, said: “Ninety-five per cent of that come to our stand are the right buyers that we want to do business with.”

Tshidi Ramanamane, it the owner, Alla Moda, who makes footwear exhibiting at SAITEX for the first time. She said: “All of the materials I use for my products are sourced in Africa and a lot of boutique owners are interested in stocking them. I also got a distributor who wants to sell my products in India.”

Today is the final day of SAITEX 2016 and Africa’s Big Seven. Find out more at africabig7.com and satexafrica.com

Press information

Africa’s Big 7 (AB7) runs from June 19-21 at The Gallagher Convention Centre, Midrand, Johannesburg, South Africa. It is the continent’s largest food and beverage industry trade expo. Its seven specialised sectors cover everything from fresh produce and ingredients to manufacturing technologies, processing and packaging equipment, retail ready products, hospitality and catering equipment and much more. For more information visit www.africabig7.com

Africa’s Big 7, was acquired in March by dmg ems Africa events, part of dmg events Middle East, Asia & Africa, a wholly owned subsidiary of Daily Mail & General Trust (DMGT).

SAITEX 2016 runs from June 19-21 at The Gallagher Convention Centre, Midrand, Johannesburg, South Africa. SAITEX is Africa’s most prominent platform for retailers who are on the lookout for the latest and most advanced products from international suppliers. It includes consumer electronics and home appliances, homeware and household, building materials supplies and tools or a range of fashion and giftware. It attracts hundreds of manufacturers and suppliers showcasing the most advanced products. The all-new Retail Forum 2016 features speakers discussing future trends. www.saitexafrica.com

SAITEX, was acquired in March by dmg ems Africa events, part of dmg events Middle East, Asia & Africa, a wholly owned subsidiary of Daily Mail & General Trust (DMGT).

dmg events Middle East, Asia & Africa was founded in 1989 and has operated in the Middle East since 1995 and owns some the region’s biggest shows including The Hotel Show and The Big 5. Headquartered in Dubai, UAE and with satellite offices in India, South Africa and the UK, dmg events Middle East, Asia & Africa organises more than 45 events across the Middle East, Africa, Asia, North America and Europe. The events attract more than 250,000 customers every year and provide opportunities for trade professionals to do business, network and learn. For more information visit www.dmgeventsme.com

DMGT manages a balanced multinational portfolio of entrepreneurial companies, with total revenues of almost $3bn, that provide a diverse range of businesses and consumers with compelling information, analysis, insight, news and entertainment. The company employs more than 10,000 people and is listed on the London Stock Exchange.  DMGT aims to provide the highest quality information, insight and services to attractive growth markets in innovative ways, building on a track record of earnings and dividend growth. For more information visit www.dmgt.com

For further information, please contact:
Gary Wright,
Head of PR & Comms, dmg-ems Africa
E: [email protected]
T:  +27 (0) 11 783 7250
W: www.dmgeventsme.com
A:  P O Box 650302 BENMORE 2010,  South Africa