Kenya Trade Fair for Joburg
23 July 2008
The Sandton Convention Centre will host the first annual Kenya Trade Fair and Conference, which aims to stimulate business between South Africa and Kenya, from 19 to 21 September.
The Trade Fair and Conference is an initiative of the Kenya High Commission and is aimed at creating an ongoing platform and environment for business links between South African and Kenyan businesses through expanded trade and business development opportunities for both countries.
Speaking at the recent launch of the event, Kenyan High Commissioner Tom Amolo said the event aimed to "vigorously exploit the huge growth potential that remains untapped between our two countries."
Expand opportunities
The fair seeks to enable Kenyan companies to expand their opportunities in South Africa, but also provide opportunities for South African businesses to explore the massive growth potential in the Kenyan economy.
"Kenya is east Africa's largest economy," Amolo said. "It grew by seven percent last year. Even with the political difficulties experienced earlier in the year, the International Monetary Fund estimates a four percent economic growth rate.
"It is strategically located to serve the eastern African region and market. It has a well-developed business and entrepreneurial class, and has over the past five years in particular, put in place several pro-business policies that have enabled Kenya to grow at an impressive average of five percent."
Widespread support
The Kenya Trade Fair and Conference initiative has strong support from Kenyan business and government, with over 200 exhibitors displaying products and services produced and manufactured in Kenya.
The High Commission says it anticipates senior government officials and political figures from Kenya and South Africa will participate in the conference, which starts on 19 September.
The exhibition will include products and services in the following categories:
- Textile and Apparel
- Tourism
- Art, Craft and Gifting
- Chemical and Allied products
- Food and Agricultural products
- Cabling
- Leather products
- Paper and paperboard
- Plastics and Rubber
- Timber and Wood
- Mining
- Banking
- Transport
- Insurance
- Property Development
The Kenyan High Commission has extended an invitation to South African businesses to participate in the Conference and Fair, which will provide South African businesses with access to one-on-one meetings with key Kenyan businesses and government leaders.
For more information on the conference or how to register, visit Kenya Trade Fair 2008 or send an e-mail for more information.
SAinfo reporter
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