EBI active in promoting local business
The Ekurhuleni Business Initiative (EBI) has had an active time of late to promote local businesses, while numerous upcoming events are planned to increase business networking and enhance trade.
Recently, the EBI met with a Korean trade delegation. The meeting was held to discuss international collaboration and trade opportunities, especially in IT between Korea and South Africa, also involving the members of the EBI.
Chris van Biljon, CEO of the EBI was pleased with the meeting, saying that various members of the EBI’s Captains of Industry Forum (COIF) made positive contributions to the discussions.
“There has also been continuous update meetings with the Botswana Embassy and its Trade and Industry Department, as well as with the DRC on collaboration and continual cooperation between our countries and business members with regards to trade missions, business interactions, expo’s, fairs and shows.
“We specifically have the Global Expo coming up in Gaborone/Botswana, during November 21 and 23 in mind.”
Another exciting development, according to van Biljon, is the Engineering Forum, which was established at the end of July in Apex.
It is designed especially for engineers for members and non-members.
“The main focus of the forum is to promote local, manufacturing, creating jobs and enhancing export opportunities,” says van Biljon.
“Great response and exposure was received after the first launch event, and we are now looking to finalise the purpose and objectives for the future of this special gathering of engineers.
“Other similar special forums have been planned as well and will be launched soon, such as manufacturing, IT, construction and logistics.”
One such forum is the Ambassadors Forum, held twice annually, with the next one to be held at Emperors Palace on September 9.
Van Biljon says he expects an even greater attendance of ambassadors, COIF members and business people than at the last event held in March this year.
* The EBI is planning to hold a Ekurhuleni Aerotropolis Car and Outdoor Family Expo, tentatively scheduled for November 2 and 3.
On display will be caravans, boats, trailers, musical school bands and various stalls.
* The EBI is planning a business networking outing to Olifants River Lodge (Middelburg area), whereby approximately 50 business people will be transported by bus to the venue to liaise with the Chamber of Commerce in Middelburg.
The bus will be leaving Emperors Palace on September 6, at 6am. Cost is R100.
Those interested are requested to phone the EBI urgently.
* The EBI in cooperation with the Tourism Enterprise Partnership (TEP) is in the process of signing an Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two organisations to support financial entrepreneurial initiative by local, provincial, national government and Proudly South African.
This partnership will aim to create a tourism hub at the intersection of Mpumalanga/Bronkhorstspruit, KZN/Standerton/Delmas and Tshwane.
* The EBI annual golf day will be held at the ERPM Golf Course in Boksburg on September 5.
Anyone who is still interested in playing is urged to phone the EBI urgently.
For more information on the EBI or any of its events or forums, contact 011 928 1889 or van Biljon on 073 763 9426, or Amanda Hart on 082 455 9514 or e-mail amandahart@ffg.net.
