The visit of Sri Lankan Business delegation to South Africa is a joint initiative of the Sri Lanka High Commission in Pretoria and the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) for participation of Sri Lankan exporters at the SAITEX 2012 International Trade fair held in Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand from 15-17 July, 2012.
Nine companies representing various sectors, such as Porcelain Tableware, Ceylon Black Tea, Green Tea, Organic Tea, Spices, Desiccated Coconut, Rubber based value added products such as Rubber Tyres, Floor Covering, Electrical Cables, Electrical Switches & Sockets, Enclosures, Automobile Component such as Airbag Sensor Switches, Seat Belt Sensor Switches etc. at the Sri Lanka pavilion.
The participation at SAITEX international trade fair helps companies to strengthen their business relations with the existing buyers and also to find new buyers. The High Commission in Pretoria arranged individual business meetings at the High Commission as well as facilitated business meetings with visiting buyers in Pretoria and Johannesburg.
A Business matchmaking programme was organised by the High Commission and the EDB in collaboration with the Cape Town Chamber of Commerce with the participation of members of the Cape Chamber and the ANC Progressive Business Forum. (ANC-PBF). The session was chaired by the Co-Convenor of the ANC -PBF Mr. Renier Schoeman and Chairman of the International Trade and Tourism Portfolio of the Cape Chamber of Commerce Mr. Jonathan Jacobs and the Commercial Secretary of the High Commission. The presentation made by the Commercial Secretary focused on strengthening confidence in business opportunities in Sri Lanka. Mr. Renier Schoeman in his remarks mentioned that he was highly impressed with the Sri Lankan companies and the products that they were promoting in South Africa. Also he announced that ANC-PBF is making arrangements to take a business delegation to Sri Lanka during 5th - 9th September 2012.
The Sri Lankan business delegation was also hosted by the World Trade Centre of South Africa based in Cape Town. Mr. Dirk Kotze the President of the World Trade Centre explained the business match-making portal developed by the WTC to promote products in the portal to enhance business opportunities in South Africa and in Africa as a whole.
During the above interactions, the delegation was able to gain knowledge on business opportunities and to explore new ventures. The delegation has indicated that they are highly satisfied with what they were able to achieve in South Africa, and are keen to further business relations for the mutual benefit of their companies and both countries.
High Commission of Sri Lanka
Pretoria, South Africa
26.07.2012
