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, thousands of visitors have viewed almost 800 international exhibitors. And visitors revealed a string of positive business growth indicators 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 clothing is 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