Pretoria - The Department of Trade and Industry (dti) has called on companies in the agro-processing sector to apply to participate in the 7th Investment and Trade Initiative (ITI) to the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The dti said companies interested in participating in the ITI must sign up by 14 July 2017.
The department will provide financial assistance to companies through its Export Marketing and Investment Assistance (EMIA) scheme to participate and showcase their products during the ITI. The scheme develops export markets for South African products and services and recruits new foreign direct investment into South Africa.
Companies that qualify to receive assistance include small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs), emerging exporters, women-owned enterprises and large companies from agro-processing (including: food and beverages, as well as South African manufactured agricultural equipment).
Other companies that qualify include infrastructure (rail, road and telecoms); built environment professionals (consulting engineers, civil engineering contractors, quantity surveying and architects); energy (oil, gas and renewable energy); mining and capital equipment.
The ITI, which aims to increase trade and investment between South Africa and the DRC, will take place in Kinshasa and Lubumbashi, from 18-22 September 2017.
“This mission is an ideal platform for South African companies who would like to export value added products and services with the view to building regional value chains and for companies who are looking for opportunities towards investing in manufacturing capabilities, as well as skills and technology transfer with the business community in the DRC,” said Trade and Industry Minister Rob Davies.
Meanwhile, trade relations between South Africa and the Democratic Republic of Congo continue to show an upward trajectory.
“South Africa is the DRC’s biggest exporter of foreign goods and services, providing more than 20% of the DRC’s total imports. South Africa’s investments into the DRC have been in the mining, services, the retail, finance and communications sectors,” said Minister Davies.
Export products to the DRC from South Africa include machinery, mineral products, and base metals whereas imports from the DRC are machinery, mineral products and base metals, among others.
South African exports to the DRC in 2016 amounted to R11 506 023 270, while imports from the DRC were R1 377 215 443 with trade currently totalling R12 883 238 713.
Companies applying for EMIA funding for this mission need to complete and submit the EMIA application form and supporting documentation as listed in the guideline documents: http://www.thedti.gov.za/trade_investment/emia_group_offerings.jsp
