THE EAST LONDON INDUSTRIAL Development Zone (ELIDZ) is organising a Business-to-Business Conference and Exhibition for May 29 and 30. The ELIDZ is one of the major areas designated by the South African government for infrastructure development to enable the positioning of South Africa as a major world export hub. It will comprise a duty-free area next to high quality transport infrastructure (port and airport), combined with major investment incentives, to encourage investment in export-led industries. Infrastructure improvements are underway and manufacturing in the ELIDZ is scheduled to commence in June 2004. East London represents an ideal choice for the location of international export-led manufacturing investment, says ELIDZ ceo Peter Miles. Specifically, it offers a compelling combination of price advantages, high quality infrastructure, and excellent access to global markets – notably to the US under the terms of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), he says. Industries likely to benefit from operating in the IDZ include automotive components and assembly, mineral beneficiation, textiles & clothing, communications & technology, pharmaceuticals, and agribusiness, as well as related infrastructure and service industries. Invitations are free to companies that have a genuine interest in locating a business in East London. The conference’s objective is to present interested multinationals with the investment opportunities in East London. The conference will include: Site visits and detailed showcasing of the IDZ infrastructure; In-depth analysis of the opportunities available in the major industry sectors; Presentations by multinational investors already committed to East London; Presentations from successful local companies; Deal facilitation workshops, including introductions to screened local companies who are ready to form JVs with international investors. Representation from national and local government investors in the IDZ; Introduction to financial institutions prepared to finance investments in the ELIDZ; Expert advice from technical consultants and project managers to facilitate projects; Tours to features of the surrounding area. The ELIDZ has negotiated a number of very attractive holiday packages to coincide with the end of the event for delegates wishing to combine attendance with a holiday in South Africa in late May/early June. The South African and Eastern Cape governments are committed to providing funding for major infrastructure improvements, including the creation of the office park, the building of an access road, the upgrading and complete electrification of the EL – Gauteng railway line and a R10m investment in the deepening of the port at East London. The ELIDZ comprises 1,500 hectares of prime land located next to the port, the N2, and next to the airport. 20 hectares are already being developed and 2 manufacturers are already committed to moving there (a brewery and a condom manufacturer). The next phase of the development will provide a further 400 hectares, including a 250 hectare duty free area for exporters. This will be completed in mid 2003. For more details go to www.elidz.co.za or www.omegaconferences.com