By Larry Claasen
WESGRO, in partnership with Standard Bank, has announced an exclusive trade mission to the prestigious China International Import Expo (CIIE), set to take place from November 5 to 10, 2024.
The initiative is part of Wesgro’s international mission programme for 2024/2025, and aims to spotlight the Food & Beverage sector, by providing South African businesses an opportunity to penetrate the lucrative Chinese market.
The CIIE, hosted at Shanghai’s monumental National Exhibition and Convention Center (NECC)—the largest convention venue on the planet.
Last year’s expo welcomed participants from 154 countries and featured about 3 400 exhibitors. With over a million visitors, including nearly 400 000 registered buyers, the event saw deals worth $78,4 billion concluded.
South African businesses will have the chance to showcase their export-ready products to a discerning audience of Chinese buyers and engage in direct negotiations with pre-vetted importers.
Beyond the numbers, the CIIE offers a platform for exporters to gain critical insights into the complexities of operating in the Chinese market. It’s a valuable networking opportunity, allowing South African businesses to connect with professional buyers and industry leaders in the world’s second largest economy..
To join this mission, applicants must meet specific criteria:
To take part in the mission, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Have been operational for at least two years
- Have a finished product/service
- Have existing experience in international exports
- Be tax compliant
- Be registered on the Cape Trade Portal (www.capetradeportal.com) if you are a Western Cape Exporter
- Be willing to participate on a user-pay basis to cover flights, accommodation, and all other travel-related expenses at your own cost
Travel related cost – including flights, accommodation, and visa fees – are estimated at around R38 000 in total. However, Wesgro will cover all CIIE expo-related costs, including the expo access fee and exhibition space.
Companies, however, must act swiftly, as the application deadline is set for Wednesday, 31 July. Interested parties can find more details and apply via the Cape Trade Portal.
