Joburg gears up for Kenya Trade Fair
9 September 2008
Johannesburg's Sandton Convention Centre hosts the first annual Kenya Trade Fair and Conference from 19 to 21 September.
An initiative of the Kenya High Commission, the event aims to create an ongoing platform for links between South African and Kenyan businesses.
Speaking at the launch of the event in July, Kenyan High Commissioner Tom Amolo said the trade fair and conference would "vigorously exploit the huge untapped growth potential 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 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 expects senior government officials and politicians from Kenya and South Africa to participate in the conference.
The exhibition will include products and services in the following categories:
- Textiles 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
For more information, visit Kenya Trade Fair 2008.
SAinfo reporter
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