100 Jozi entrepreneurs in line export training

07 June 2017

 

The City of Joburg seeks to train at least 100 entrepreneurs in the manufacturing sector in export development over the next nine months.

 

The three-phase programme, which is expected to start in July this year, is sponsored by the National Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to the tune of R4-million.

This was revealed by the City’s Department of Economic Development (DED) at a recent Export Awareness Seminar at the Joburg Theatre in Braamfontein.

The first phase of the training programme has been scheduled to take place from 18-21 July this year, the second from 6-9 November and the third from 14-16 March 2018.

Reggie Pholo, DED’s Director of Trade and Investment, said the City was determined to inculcate a culture of exportation as part of its mayoral priority to grow Joburg’s economy by at least 5% and increase employment by 6% by 2021.

The seminar – which was supported by the DTI, Small Enterprise Development Agency (SEDA) and Gauteng Growth and Development Agency (GGDA) – was attended by scores of entrepreneurs and small businesspeople operating in the manufacturing sector from various parts of Johannesburg.

It was addressed by speakers from various government agencies and departments. The subjects covered included product development, training and export preparation and participation.

Participants in the seminar were also empowered on how to apply for participation in the DTI’s Global Exporter Passport Programme, national pavilions, missions and incentive schemes.

National pavilions are trade shows run by the DTI to promote locally manufactured products to the international market.

The next Export Awareness Seminar will take place on 28 November 2017.