Elsa Semmelink
A platform for South African businesses to establish new contacts in the United States and Canada has been established by Rainbow Business Network International (RBNI), a Gauteng-based company which will present trade and tourism networking sessions and mini-expos lasting two days in major commercial centres in the US and Canada in October and November.
“The principle of `business contact networking’ was earmarked as a prime objective by the United Nations and World Trade Organisation at the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (Unctad) IX in Midrand. RBNI’s venture is a much needed instrument in South Africa and is in close synergy with the UN’s objective for developing countries internationally,” the company’s managing director, Clarice Senekal, said.
“South Africa’s expanding role in the global trade, economic and business world requires not only sound business activities, but a pro-active effort in marketing its products to the international community. It is therefore important for businesses to be brought into contact with potential clients and trading partners.
“Since the US and Canada are becoming important sources of trading with South Africa, RBNI will provide the platform for South African business and professional people in the commercial and industrial fields to establish new contacts and forge profitable business relationships.
“This concept has the possibility of furthering opportunities for existing South African businesses. It also enjoys the support of chambers of commerce, government departments and the business sector in general,” Senekal added.
The structure of the trade and tourism networking sessions and mini-expo’s will comprise of the following:
l A mini-expo where South African arts and crafts will be displayed and sold and South African food, music and tourist destinations will be promoted.
South African companies will have the opportunity to exhibit and promote their products. In addition, South African traditional and contemporary dancers and artists will perform at scheduled intervals.
l A business contact networking brunch will be presented, which will be attended by members of the US and Canadian business community.
The networking brunch will be addressed by a leading South African business person in the economic and or/trade field and brochures, business cards, company information downloaded on to diskettes of South African businesses will be distributed.
l Business conferences or seminars on topics such as doing business with South Africa, trade tariffs and import/export regulations will be conducted by leading business people, South African trade representatives, representatives of South African banking institutions in the US and representatives of shipping and freighting companies.
l A delegation represented by 25 South African companies will accompany RBNI to all the centres.
By means of pre-arranged interviews, individual members will meet potential US and Canadian business clients who wish to do business with South Africa.
Members of the delegation will also attend all networking brunches and thereby maximise their exposure and networking base throughout the US.