On the second day of SAITEX 2016 Taiwan’s ambassador backs SAITEX 2016 saying its boosts imports and exports between his country and South Africa 

Trade between Taiwan and South Africa is ‘good, but could better,’ according to the Taiwanese Ambassador, speaking during a visit to a trade show in Johannesburg today.

The Ambassador to South Africa, His Excellency John C Chen, praised SAITEX 2016, which brings together thousands of Africa retailers and entrepreneurs with manufacturers from across the world.

“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.

He visited the 18 exhibitors at the Taiwan Pavilion at the South African International Trade Exhibition today which included bathroom accessories, plumbing, houseware, water purifying equipment, kitchenware, hosiery and computer equipment.

The ambassador said: “So far the exhibitors tell me they have had a very good show, SAITEX is very 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 who visit the show.”

He revealed that the trade between he two countries was worth $140 million each year and South Africa exports more to his country than it imports.”

He admitted there has been a slight decline during the past 18 months, which he blamed on the global crisis but revealed South Africa is his country’s number one trade partner in Africa.

“We have an excellent relationship but as I said, trade is good but can always get better, and exhibitors this year to SAITEX did face some difficulties obtaining visas and I think the government here might like to look at that and make it more straightforward.”

Press information

SAITEX 2016 runs until June 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