The Global Trade Show of Networking and Matchmaking South Africa 2018 (GTS2018) a leading business opportunities exhibition, is back for a second year in South Africa – bigger and better! The three-day event, which takes place from 27 to 29 July at Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand, Johannesburg, will showcase hundreds of business opportunities to thousands of visitors.

The show includes four mini-exhibitions: Tools & Build Show (TBS)  focusing on tools, hardware and building supplies, Household and Appliance 2018 (HAS) – focusing on housewares, home appliances and furniture. Food and Beverage South Africa 2018 will focus the latest trends and in food and beverages; while Smart Electronics & Security (SES) will showcase smart electronics and security products.

Business and Trade Opportunities

“GTS 2018 is far more than a trade show,” says Ben de Klerk from the African Chambers Association (ACA), one of the show partners. “It is a platform that facilitates numerous networking and matchmaking opportunities and information sharing, resulting in more business and more trade.”  De Klerk believes that China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BIR) - a massive infrastructure initiative - has numerous benefits. The “One Belt, One Road” aims to link 70 countries across Africa, Asia, Europe and Oceania.

The ACA recently signed an Agreement with the city of Yan’An to consult on behalf of the Yan’An government with all companies in Africa. Companies will be able to promote their products by starting a shop in the international trade complex in Yan'an city. “ACA can assist in the process of setting up factories there for African manufacturers in order to get access to the west Asia south central Asia and even eastblock countries through the BIR,” says de Klerk. “GTS 2018 serves as an important platform for growing this initiative and sharing this opportunity with businesses.”

Feedback from last year’s exhibitors was extremely positive, with many of them already signed up again for this year’s show. The inaugural show attracted 155 exhibitors from around the globe – almost half from African countries.

Exposure in Africa

“Many exhibitors are using GTS 2018 as a springboard to do business in Africa,” continues de Klerk. “The range of products and the diversity of countries participating, makes it possible to do business with many countries – in one place, at the same time!”

The event offers a one-stop show for business and trade to access the latest industry information, sources the latest best quality products, while expanding their global networks.

“China’s participation and support for local small business on the show is significant,” says Linda Blackbeard, CEO of the Randburg Chamber of Commerce and Industry, which is also a partner. “GTS also enables companies to source an extensive range of products from China, while learning more about how to do business with China as well as engage in a positive reciprocal offering of services and products from SA. It’s a win-win for all!”

One Event – Endless Opportunities

“The sheer variety of retail products on show makes GTS a really exciting place to be,” says Linda Blackbeard. “This includes:  a massive variety of IT services for business, confectionery, bespoke shoes and clothes, refreshments, health products health candle products, organic foods, affordable solar lighting, unique recycled products, media houses covering the full selection of offerings for all industry sectors.   Our show offers a one-stop shop for visitors to explore opportunities to expand their product offerings and explore new product lines to offer diversify in their business.”

International Support

Participants from around the world have confirmed their participation- from countries including Botswana, Brazil, China, Colombia, Finland, Nigeria, Russia and Sri Lanka.

BRICS Country Breakfast

Scheduled for 28 July, the BRICS Country Breakfast aims to share information about trade opportunities within the BRICS countries and beyond, develop networks, in addition to stimulating business and trade opportunities.

Something New

Participants in this year’s show can look forward to:

Famous brands and high-tech companies showcasing their latest products. These include Skyworth (television and audio-visual products, consumer electronics, security monitors, cell phones, washing machines and refrigerators), Sinotech (electronics), as well as Little Duck (washing machines and small household appliances).

Industry One-on-One Matchmaking: Open to all buyers and exhibitors, these sessions focus on: Tools & Hardware, Building Materials, Household Goods, Furniture, Home Appliance, Electronics, Security & Safety Products, Electrical Products, Food & Beverage and Machinery

Workshops Galore

Several informative workshops have been scheduled, including:

How to Explore Emerging Markets

Trade and Business in KwaZulu-Natal with TIKZN – Your Knowledge Partner in Business

 E-Commerce and Digital Marketing

Extensive Stakeholder Backing

There has been a tremendous show of support and endorsements from industry bodies for this year’s show, with the following organisations on board.  the Randburg Chamber of Commerce & Industry, the Fourways Chamber of Commerce & Industry, the Commonwealth Business Women’s Network, Xanopia Business Women’s Network, the Nordic-South Africa Business Association, the Johannesburg Chamber of Commerce and Industries, as well as the Minara Chamber of Commerce.

For more information on the Global Trade Show 2018, please contact Anina Hough on +27 (0) 83 260 8131 Email: anina@mweb.co.za  http://www.gtsshow.com/