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The biggest ever Indian participation at SAITEX 2012

The annual South African International Trade Exhibition (SAITEX) the biggest ever Indian participation demonstrates the kind of collaboration that is possible between India and the countries of Africa. The 19th edition of SAITEX took place between July 15th and 17th at Midrand and was co-located with Africa’s Big Seven, an exclusive trade fair in food and beverage segment.


India, the partner country at SAITEX 2012 had a composite 500 square meter of exhibit space, instead of scattered stalls in the past editions of SAITEX. More than 70 small and medium scale businesses from India showcased their products and capabilities in the exposition and facilitated South Africa to evolve a strong SMEs base to promote  and boost economic growth .

SMEs sector makes it possible for people to own business and generate real and effective empowerment. Indian micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) sector contributes some 45 percent of the country’s manufacturing output and 40 percent of the total exports.

There has been a robust trade between India and South Africa despite economic downturn in recent years. The trade between India and South Africa is around US$ 10 billion and is expected to reach US$ 15 billion by the year 2015.

The SAITEX exhibition provides a platform to explore the areas where the engagement between India and South Africa can be expanded considerably and to foster trade between African nations and rest of the world.