Opportunity for exporters

Exporters of fresh fruit and vegetables are invited to apply for assistance to participate in the Fruit Logistica Asia trade exhibition in Hong Kong from September 6-8, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said yesterday.

Companies interested in participating in the exhibition were encouraged to submit application forms to the DTI by April 6, the department said.

They will be assisted through the DTI’s export marketing and investment assistance scheme, which offers airfare, payment of exhibition space, freight forwarding of exhibition material and a daily subsistence allowance.

The trade fair, which will be attended by exhibitors from over 120 countries around the world, is targeting producers of fresh fruit and vegetables, fresh-cut and convenience items, exotic products, organic produce, dried fruit or nuts, herbs and spices, as well as flowers or plants.

Trade and industry Minister Rob Davies said participating in the exhibition would not only expose South African companies to the Asian market, but would also provide an opportunity for South Africa to showcase its agricultural and value-added products.

This was part of the DTI’s strategy to increase exports and create and identify export markets for agricultural and value-added products and services in Asia.

“China and South Africa have signed the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Agreement (CSPA) to promote trade in valueadded manufactured products as well as investment in the manufacturing sector in an effort to advance industrialisation. This initiative is undertaken as part of the implementation of the CSPA to expose South African products to the Asian market,” Davies said. – ANA

Participating in the exhibition will expose South African companies to the Asian market. Rob Davies Trade and industry Minister