Small Business Development Minister Lindiwe Zulu address women at a gathering organised by the Progressive Business Forum (PBF) on Thursday.
CAPE TOWN – South African Small Business Development Minister Lindiwe Zulu has used her time in China to help unlock the Chinese market for South Africa’s small businesses and cooperatives, her office said on Wednesday.
Zulu was leading a South African small business delegation at this year’s three-day China International Small and Medium Enterprises Fair (CISMEF), which takes place in Guanzhou, China, from 10-13 October.
The signing was on the margin of Brics2017 in Xiamin.
— the dti (@the_dti) September 5, 2017
The agreement will result in the exports of SA products into the Chinese market. pic.twitter.com/JeDe8batV8
It is said Zulu challenged her Chinese counterparts and Chinese businesses to help open their markets to South Africa’s small and medium businesses.
“Many SMMEs and Cooperatives have pointed out to us that their growth and sustainability is hampered by lack of access to markets. CISMEF must be a platform that opens the doors for many SMMEs to enter global markets,” Zulu said.
The department has made a commitment to facilitate market access to small businesses.
@LindiweZulu6 grows SA footprint in Chinese market https://t.co/mo34EAx7LE
— SA Gov News (@SAgovnews) October 11, 2017
“The over thirty businesses that we have brought here and many others back home are looking for an opportunity to grow their businesses. Our participation at this year’s CISMEF is our practical effort to promote market access,” she said.
“We are here to show you a taste of what South Africa can offer.”
Zulu urged small businesses to seek markets beyond the borders of South Africa.
Ranking African countries by wealth per person. 3 beat China. 17 beat India. SA is 6th. Kenya/Nigeria/Ghana similar around $1,600-1,750 pic.twitter.com/jsXlfKk6Sw
— Charlie Robertson (@RencapMan) October 11, 2017
“The truth is that the walls separating nations are falling and the globe is getting smaller. However, the queues of the unemployed remain unacceptably long, especially in the developing world. CISMEF highlights the importance of global entrepreneurship that cuts across borders,” Zulu said.
“We believe that investing in small business will help us respond to the many socio-economic challenges that still stubbornly stare us in the face. Small businesses are the heartbeat of our economy and engine for economic growth and job creation.”
