An export workshop, hosted by the Department of Trade and Industry (Dti) and the Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC), has helped build potential and existing local exporters’ confidence in building a successful foreign export trade.

So says Arts Unlimited’s Iwona Rytel from East London who attended the first two-day workshop in East London.

“The workshop successfully removed the anxiety and fear associated with export. It took us through the fundamental steps that determine success in export. The workshop also shared practical steps on preparing for export, interacting with foreign clients as well as how to maintain and follow up on leads,” Rytel explains.

We want to equip local exporters with strategic tools to secure deals and clientele abroad,” says ECDC export promotion specialist Zodwa Kepeyi.

“A key focus of the workshop was unpacking the benefits of the Export Marketing and Investment Assistance (EMIA) scheme, services offered by the Small Enterprise Development Agency (SEDA), exhibition training, export marketing and market segmentation” adds Kepeyi.

East London presents some favourable conditions to exporters such as the close proximity to the harbour, rail, and airport.

“The services offered by Dti and SEDA will help entrepreneurs successfully grow exports from the province. However, it’s up to individual companies to take advantage of this infrastructure,” ends Kepeyi.

The Dti offers similar educational export workshops in other provinces. Another workshop is planned for Port Elizabeth later in the year.