South African companies will for the first time participate in the Dar es Salaam's International Trade Fair to be held in Tanzania this week, Trade and Industry Minister Rob Davies said Monday."As a ministry, we recognise the importance of increasing trade between South Africa and other countries on the continent with the aim of boosting intra-Africa trade," Davies said.
Some 14 companies will participate in the 38th edition of the fair that will take place from 28 June to 8 July.
Minister Davies said his ministry responded positively to the invitation by the organisers of the trade fair because it believes that the fair will provide a platform to strengthen bilateral trade between South Africa and Tanzania - with the expectation of promoting intra-Africa trade, as well as economic integration of the continent.
"We are confident that the group of businesspeople that we have assisted to participate in the multi-sectoral international trade fair in Tanzania will not only showcase the best of the products and services that this country can offer, but will also find markets in East Africa to export their products to, and identify opportunities for investment and joint ventures," the minister said.