BUSINESSES WILL be introduced to the opportunities that are being opened up in Africa by the New Partnership for Growth and Development (Nepad). An international trade and investment conference will be held in Port from October 22 to 24. It is being arranged by the Port Elizabeth Regional Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Port Elizabeth Technikon, the CSIR, the Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC), and the Nelson Mandela Metro. Chamber ceo Alfred da Costa says the conference is also an opportunity to introduce international investors to the opportunities in the Nelson Mandela Bay area. The goals of the conference include the promotion of accelerated growth and sustainable development, the eradication of widespread and severe poverty, and to halt the marginalisation of Africa in the globalisation process. The conference is aimed at local and international business, in order to emphasise the need for expansion in this region and to attract businesses to invest in the region. It also aims to encourage business to unite and revive the economy of the African continent. According to Alfred da Costa “the objective of the Conference is to look at the dynamics involved in the development of Africa, as well as the financial, political, and academic issues of the region.” He added, “South Africa needs to play a key role in the development of Africa. The adversities and problems experienced in other African countries impact negatively on South Africa. Therefore it is essential that South African businesses and government tackle the problems of Africa collectively.” Key initiatives have already been implemented in African countries such as Zambia, Nigeria, Kenya, Mozambique, Uganda and Botswana, by leading businessmen in the area. The strong presence of South African companies in these countries has had a positive effect on the African economy. The conference aims to encourage such initiatives and in doing so inspire local business to identify and utilize the abounding opportunities in Africa. The large audience expected at the conference will include international delegates, fund managers, businessmen and women from investment houses, multi-nationals, and embassies. This will have vast benefits for the Eastern Cape, according to da Costa. “The Eastern Cape, especially the Metro, will receive wide exposure and media coverage. The conference will allow the Metro to enhance it’s brand, profile itself as a potential investment powerhouse and local businesses such as hotels, guest houses and other tourism organisations will benefit financially.” During the conference international delegates will have the opportunity to view the Metro and the Eastern Cape, as well as the current and intended developments including Coega, Madiba Bay and the Nelson Mandela Statue. Furthermore the conference will focus on the financial support available for developing in this area, such as the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the Development Bank of South Africa (DBSA) and the European Community. This conference, a first for the region, will be hosted at the Boardwalk Tsitsikamma Conference Centre, as well as at the PE Technikon. Various workshops and guest speakers have been organised for the event, as well as various business exhibitions. For further information about this premier conference visit the website at www.petech.ac.za/congress2003