South African trade exhibition's role highlighted

THE South African International Trade Exhibition (Saitex) could become a key player in presenting the world with a co-ordinated, strategically focused and managed concept of South Africa and Africa. During a series of roundtable discussions co-hosted recently by the Department of Trade and Industry and Kagiso Exhibitions, owners of Saitex, non-African foreign trade representatives and representatives of Nepad met to discuss Africa's largest multi-sector trade platform. The fair, scheduled to be held at Gallagher Estate in Midrand, from September 30 to October 3, was described by Ginny Verran, Nepad (New Partnership for Africa's Development) project leader for DTI, as having the potential to help implement export development programmes and establish strategic partnerships with other key players on the African continent. During the talks, participants were asked how Saitex could be used to better reflect South Africa and Africa. Most seem to agree that despite significant barriers to healthy trade between Africa and the rest of the world, optimism has arisen from the implementation of African-driven initiatives like Nepad. Saitex's position as the largest multi-sector trade exhibition on the continent has been described as an ideal platform to make significant contributions in exhibition standards. (Miguel de Sousa)