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EXPORT OPPORTUNITIES
Businesses around the world are faced with increased competition , shrinking markets and globalisation . To succeed in this fast paced environment , businesses have to adopt new strategies and explore new markets .
Exporting your product is an ideal opportunity to gain new customers and expand your market whilst at the same time earning valuable foreign currency and creating job opportunities . South African products are finding greater acceptance in world markets due to our attractive exchange rates and the quality of our products .
Although most exports from South Africa are products from major corporations , there are numerous small and medium businesses (SME's) that have become export success stories .
However SME's face many challenges in breaking into the export market . The lack of expertise , marketing the product internationally , the quagmire of legal documentation and financial burden are some of the challenges that SME's face . The government , in keeping with its support for SME's , has recognised this and has launched numerous programs through the Department of Trade & Industry (DTI) to assist small businesses .
One such program is the Export Marketing & Investment Assistance (EMIA) scheme which is managed by Trade & Investment South Africa (TISA) on behalf of DTI . Ismail Docrat . the Acting Chief Operating Officer of TISA , recently addressed members of the Minara Chamber of Commerce on the objectives of EMIA and the assistance that the scheme can provide .
The EMIA objective is to increase the number of exporters through export development programs and to compensate exporters for certain costs incurred in developing export markets .SME's can qualify for financial compensation for the cost incurred in taking part in exhibitions , travelling to foreign countries to find buyers , market research and registration of trademarks .
The Minara Chamber of Commerce has entered into discussions with DTI & TISA to provide export training and assistance to its members .
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