As usual, every available square metre of exhibition space has been snapped up at this year’s SAITEX expo, months before opening day on 30 June. The Southern African International Trade Exhibition is the biggest and most effective networking hub for business opportunities in Africa from all over the world. "SAITEX has been helping to build businesses, promote trade and create jobs across the continent for over 20 years,” says John Thomson, Managing Director of Exhibition Management Services, organisers of the expo. “For the second year in a row, we have had to book out all five exhibition halls at our venue, Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand, Johannesburg, because of growing demand from exhibitors.”

Thomson highlights several reasons for the show’s monumental success. “The most obvious reason is SAITEX’s co-location with its sister show, Africa’s Big Seven, the biggest food and beverage trade show in Africa. Together they showcase thousands of products in hundreds of categories by over 890 companies from more than 40 countries around the world; more than 15 000 business people visit the show every year,” says Thomson. SAITEX takes place at Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand, Johannesburg from 30 June to 2 July 2 2013. “This year SAITEX gets even more traction from South Africa’s association with the other BRICS countries, and their influence on global trade,” adds Thomson. “SAITEX is certainly the key that can unlock the gateway to Africa’s rich resources and burgeoning markets; it attracts the cream of world business - multinational manufacturers, producers and key decision-makers from all major industry sectors.”

SAITEX Retains Official Strategic Partner
The Consumer Goods Council of South Africa (CGCSA) is endorsing SAITEX for the second successive year. “With CGCSA as a strategic partner, we are sending a strong message to our visitors and exhibitors about the Council’s commitment to serving its member businesses locally and internationally,” explains Thomson.
The Council’s CEO, Gwarega Mangozhe, is determined to help more local companies, small businesses and entrepreneurs gain exposure at SAITEX and attract business contacts intra Africa and abroad. “We are very proud to be involved for a second time and fully endorse and support both SAITEX and AB7 2013,” says Mangozhe.
“Last year’s shows were the best I’ve ever seen, and I have been to many shows overseas. We had many positive responses from members visiting the show and international visitors coming to our stand asking for help in trade with local businesses.”

SAITEX is renowned for the sheer variety of retail products on display, and also the sector focused shows it comprises. The most popular for visitors is unashamedly THABS – Tools, Hardware and Building Supplies, while the Housewares, Home wares and Home Appliances expo is also a huge drawcard. THABS encompasses a staggering array of gadgets and gizmos, from generators and hand tools to power tools, water pumps, building supplies, paints, wood products, automotive spares and accessories – the list is almost endless. Housewares and Home wares covers crockery, cutlery and serving ware, kitchenware and cookware, linen, bedding and home entertainment systems, indoor and outdoor accessories, workspace furniture and many more home products. SAITEX also features a massive range of general retail goods including FMCG, electronics, appliances and hundreds of other product categories.

SAITEX Wows Visitors
“We would like to be back at SAITEX and AB7 in 2013,” says Yolanda Roundtree, Marketing Supervisor at the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services based in the US. Her department ensures the safety and nutritional value of foods and other consumer products. “Africa is a huge market with a growing interest in US products.” “The business matchmaking aspect of SAITEX is brilliant,” says Alex Abbiew from AfreAnko dressmakers in Ghana. “I was able to organise two meetings online before I even got there. It saved me time and helped establish good business opportunities; I’m back there this year for sure.”