World shows big interest in Joburg Market Day

23 March 2016

 

It’s all systems go for Johannesburg Market Day in City Deep in two weeks’ time.

 

On April 6 the City of Johannesburg will host an Agro-processing Trade and Investment seminar and a Business-2-Business Match-Making session to showcase the City’s value-added goods and services for fresh produce exports and investment opportunities.

At a media briefing in Sandton today, Tuesday March 22, Member of the Mayoral Committee for Economic Development Councillor Ruby Mathang said eight countries had already confirmed their participation. England, Poland, Ghana, Italy, Sri Lanka, China, India and the Democratic Republic of Congo are sending delegations.

The briefing was attended by Botswana Consul-General Anastacia Matsheka, Acting Joburg Market CEO Joe Mazibuko, farmers, senior officials and fresh produce traders and exporters.

“The purpose of Joburg Market Day is to afford an opportunity to agro-processing businesses in the province to showcase and demonstrate their market-ready products for potential market opportunities,” said MMC Mathang.

He said Joburg Market Day was part of efforts by the City to help entrepreneurs access markets and funding, and nurture relations with other countries, especially in Africa.

MMC Mathang said though the European and Asian export markets were important, there was an even greater need to increase and strengthen trade among African countries.

“We have spent some time nurturing our relations with these states and today they are the entry point of South African business into global markets, giving them a firm footing and opportunity to spread within those regions.”

MMC Mathang said funding and access to investments opportunities were major challenges for new business entrants. He added that collaboration efforts among stakeholders were crucial.

“It is only when we learn to collaborate and create economies of scale among ourselves that we can play a bigger role within the global economy and claim a larger share of its spoils. This collaboration will then position the continent to improve access for its exports to markets in other countries and regions of the world,” he said.

“We’re confident we can positively enhance the national export culture, contribute to the expansion of the exporter base in Johannesburg and South Africa, as well as grow and diversify Joburg’s export basket,” he said.

He urged young entrepreneurs to come prepared for an informative, insightful and exciting programme. Small Business Development Minister Lindiwe Zulu and Johannesburg Executive Mayor Councillor Parks Tau have been scheduled to attend.