Enterprise Florida-led mission will visit Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town

MIAMI, Fla. (November 10, 2016) – Enterprise Florida, Inc. (EFI) will lead a delegation on an Export Development Trade Mission to South Africa from February 24-March 4, 2017. Mission participants will participate in pre-screened business meetings, business intelligence briefings from the U.S. Embassy, and meet local government and private sector leaders, as well as attend networking events in Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town.

“South Africa is Florida’s largest market in Sub-Saharan Africa,” said Manny Mencia, Senior Vice President of International Trade & Development for EFI. “Florida is the closest state to South Africa, English is the primary business language spoken there, the infrastructure is solid, and banking and legal services are on par with any other foreign market. This mission provides great access to a market that may be new for many Florida small businesses, but it’s one that is perfectly positioned for success.”

As a member of the five-nation South African Customs Union, South Africa already offers immediate access to a market well beyond its own 54 million people. Additionally, the collaborative relationship with their East African neighbors represents an opportunity for open market access to 26 other countries with a combined GDP of over $900 billion and a consumer base of more than 550 million.

With the fastest growing middle class population in the world, the demand for U.S. products and services in Africa is outpacing the supply. Florida exporters are well positioned to gain from entry into the South African market. Our geographic location makes us the closest U.S. state to Africa and our superb international trade infrastructure and our business community’s experience and expertise, uniquely qualifies us as ideal trading partners with Africa.

There are many business opportunities in the South African market. The industry list below is extensive but not exclusive, and market opportunities may exist for some industries not listed. If your industry is not mentioned below, please contact us for a no-obligation assessment. Leading sectors for Florida exports to South Africa include:

• Aerospace
• Agricultural Sector
• Automotive Aftermarket: Specialty Equipment
• Electrical Power Systems
• Franchising Industry Sector
• Green Building Technologies
• Healthcare
• Information Technology
• Medical Devices
• Mining Equipment
• Pollution Control Equipment
• Port and Maritime Infrastructure
• Rail Infrastructure
• Security and Safety Equipment and Services
• Telecommunications Equipment
• Transportation Infrastructure Equipment and Services

Enterprise Florida will offer up to 20 Gold Key Packages to eligible, new-to-market Florida companies. Those companies will be able to take advantage of unparalleled trade facilitation services provided by the U.S. Commercial Service (USCS) in South Africa. The USCS will coordinate pre-screened, one-on-one appointments with South African companies and Gold Key Florida companies.

The cost for the first Gold Key company representative is $1,000 and additional company representatives can attend for $500. A delegate package is also available for $650.

Gold Key Grants are available to small and mid-sized Florida manufacturers, eligible high tech companies, and professional service providers. Qualified companies may apply for a Gold Key Grant, which will reimburse the $1,000 registration fee for the first company representative.

The Gold Key registration deadline is December 5, 2016 and the Delegate registration deadline is February 3, 2017.

To register or apply for a Gold Key grant, please contact Joseph Bell at 305-808-3389 or jbell@enterpriseflorida.com.

EFI maintains an extensive schedule of overseas trade missions and exhibitions worldwide. In fiscal year 2015-16, Florida small and mid-sized businesses reported more than $911 million in total projected export sales following international missions and trade shows.

 

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