Harnessing the global trade trend...
Globalisation is leading to an increased decline in trade and investment barriers across the world.  Changing global demographics and a changing world economy, coupled to technological change, improvements in international transportation technology and global manufacturing and production output are all contributing factors to increased trade. 

Eastern Cape-based companies are focusing on their competitive and comparative trade advantage and harnessing these to access international markets.  Major export markets for the Eastern Cape remain the United States and Germany - this is closely followed by Japan.  New international markets recently penetrated by exporters based in the province include Scandinavian countries, Mainland China, Syria and the Slovak Republic.

Examples of these companies include:

• OPM Tooling based in Port Elizabeth who manufacture a variety of high precision tooled and pressed products for international markets in Brazil and Europe and local African markets;
• Jendamark Automation who are involved in automotive robotics, smart image sensors and industrial automation and who export to markets in China, Germany, Taiwan, Thailand and the UK; and
• Dynamic Commodities who specialize in fruit sorbet and ice cream for export to markets including the USA, Canada, Korea, Japan, the UK and Europe.

The ECDC Export Promotion Unit offers small and medium-sized companies, based in the Eastern Cape, opportunities to access regional and global trade markets. 
 

The Export Promotion Unit offers:

• Assistance to companies to assess and evaluate their ability to service international markets (export readiness assessment analysis);
• Help for Eastern Cape-based companies to access national export incentive programmes offered by the DTI (export marketing and investment assistance - EMIA);
• Listing of export-ready products on ECDC's e-trade platform;
• Opportunities to be part of national and provincial international trade missions;
• Advice and assistance on marketing products to prospective regional and international buyers;
• Regional networking opportunities in SADC countries;
• International networking opportunities in overseas markets - particularly Europe, the USA, Asia and the Middle East; and
• Linkages to prospective international business partners and investors.

Export opportunities and their links to the Provincial Industrial Development Strategy

The Eastern Cape Provincial Government has realised the importance of a medium to long-term industrial strategy to assist investors and business persons interested in harnessing the production, manufacturing and export potential of the province.  Focus areas for the strategy include:

• Agro-industries;
• Capital goods;
• Auto-sector production and manufacturing;
• Green industries including renewable energy, carbon extraction and carbon trading facilities; and
• Petro-chemicals

Working with provincial and national partners - including the Department of Economic Development and Environmental Affairs, the Department of Trade and Industry, the Coega and East London IDZ's and the local and regional business chambers - the ECDC Export Promotion Unit is well-positioned to provide advice and assistance to both investors and exporters.

Providing export platforms - trade missions, local and international exhibitions

The Export Promotion Unit, in conjunction with provincial and national partners, is directly involved in providing opportunities to export-ready Eastern Cape business to be part of international trade missions and local and international trade exhibitions.

Once a company has been assessed and is regarded as being "export-ready", the Unit will assist in linking these companies to local and international markets through these missions and exhibitions.


Export Network Forum

The ECDC Export Promotion Unit facilitate and co-ordinate three export network forums per year.  These forums bring together Eastern Cape business that are involved in, or would like to be involved in, regional and international trade. 

This forum allows local business to share ideas, look at aspects of best-practice in export and trade and form partnerships to enhance their capacity to access global markets and boost their trade footprint.

For more information please contact:

East London - Zodwa Kepeyi
Tel: +27 (0)43 704 5713
Email: nkepeyi@ecdc.co.za

Port Elizabeth - Cumile Ntuthu
Tel: +27 (0)41 373 8260
Email: cntuthu@ecdc.co.za