Twelve years after the historic first general elections that resulted in democracy, South Africa has been a political and economic success story. With a stable political system, robust civil institutions, a consistent growth rate and very respectable investment ratings, South Africa has enjoyed due attention by US businesses. It deserves more. South Africa is unlike the rest of Africa. With first world infrastructure, communications and tertiary industries, South Africa is eminently placed to lead the whole southern African region to the next level in international trade and commercial opportunities.
To help take advantage of the potential for doing business in South Africa, the West Virginia Development Office invites you to participate in their Trade Mission to South Africa August 11 – 19, 2007. There are already over 600 US companies represented in South Africa. Established and new U.S. entrants need to carefully explore and develop the local market for outright sales, joint venture and licensing opportunities. At the same time, the country is a logical site for global corporate positioning on the final commercial frontier, the African continent.
Best Prospects
While all industries are encouraged to explore this market for potential business partners, the South African market offers excellent trade opportunities in the following sectors:
- Airport/Ground Support Equipment
- Mining Equipment
- Health Care Equipment & Technology
- Pollution Control Equipment
- Safety & Security Equipment
- Automotive Parts/Service
- Electric Power Systems
- Transportation, Infrastructure and Civil Construction
- Telecommunications Eeuiptment and Services
Mission Details
Through the Gold Key Service of the U.S. Commercial Service, we will help you approach potential distributors, agents, representatives or joint-venture partners in the shortest time possible. Industry specialists at the US DoC offices in Johannesburg and Cape Town will conduct market research, contact potential candidates, screen for the best match to your needs and arrange appointments for you. In addition to these meetings with pre-qualified business partners, we will provide the following:
- Transportation to business meetings OR centralized business meetings at hotel
- Customized market briefings
- Timely and relevant market research
- Assistance in developing appropriate follow-up strategies
- Reception with VIP officials
- Site visits to business and manufacturing facilities
Mission Itinerary
August 11
- Depart US from Charleston WV
August 12
- Arrive Johannesburg
August 13
- Market Briefing with US Commercial Service
- Individual Business Meetings
August 14
- Individual Business Meetings
- VIP Reception at US Minister Counselor’s residence
August 15
Mining Equipment Participants
- Mine site visit
- Meeting with MinTek, specialists in
mineral technology
Other Industry Participants
- Additional business meetings
August 16 - OPTIONAL
- Travel to Cape Town
- Market Briefing with US Commercial Service
August 17
- Individual Business Meetings
August 18 or 19
- Return to US
Cost
Participation fee - $ 250
**Includes all Gold Key services, airport transfer, networking receptions, local transportation to/from meetings, site visits
Travel expenses**
- Airfare (coach class) - $2200
- Lodging (6 nights x $150/night) - $ 900
- Other business expenses - $ 400
**Travel expenses are estimates
TOTAL - $3750
Registration and Additional Information
To register, CLICK HERE or print out the following form and fax it back to the designated number:
WVDO South Africa Trade Mission Fax Form (230KB)
For More Information Contact:
Debra Martin
Manager, International Trade
West Virginia Development Office
1900 Kanawha Blvd, East
Charleston, WV 25305-0311
Phone: 304-558-2234
Email: dmartin@wvdo.org
