In a first for the continent for Africa, the 2012 International Business Congress (ISBC) will be held in South Africa – and the proudly South African Buy Local campaign is ready to show the world why "local is lekker".
Proudly SA has committed its full support to the ISBC, which will be held in Sandton from 15-18 September. While the Congress offers local small businesses international exposure, it is also an opportunity during Tourism Month for international delegates to experience South African hospitality and explore the beauty of the country.
Proudly SA member companies will exhibit their products and services at the Congress, which will bring together a diverse group of SME practitioners and policymakers from around the world.
"As a large percentage of Proudly South African’s member companies are small businesses, we believe the Congress provides a golden opportunity for them to forge global networks and be exposed to different markets," said Proudly SA CEO, Adv. Leslie Sedibe.
Hosted on African soil for the first time in its 37 year history, the ISBC will provide local companies with a unique opportunity to exchange information with the international SME community.
"By supporting local producers and manufacturers, South Africans can create a greater demand for home grown products and services. This will stimulate the economy, create jobs and alleviate poverty. It’s in line with government’s priority of promoting entrepreneurship and advancing small, medium and micro enterprises to achieve economic growth and development." said Adv. Sedibe.
In awarding the 37th ISBC to South Africa, the ISBC Steering Committee stated: "As various African countries, including South Africa, begin to enhance their presence in the world economy, it will be of great significance to hold ISBC in South Africa."
The Congress gathers government policymakers, small business support agencies, entrepreneurs, business membership organisations, academia, financial institutions and international development agencies to discuss issues around promoting entrepreneurship and small business worldwide.
"The Congress not only provides an invaluable opportunity for Proudly SA member companies to come away with invaluable insight and practical ideas to share with other local SME’s, but it is also a platform to showcase the best of what South Africa has to offer to the international community," says Septi Bukula, Congress Director of the ISBC 2012.
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