ECDC Export Platform facilitates global trade

Eastern Cape Development Corporation’s (ECDC) intention to become a provincial one stop export shop has taken a significant step forward with the establishment of an Export Platform to enable local manufacturers to get their goods into global markets.

Developed by ECDC’s Trade Promotion Unit from best practice nationally and internationally, the Export Platform enables manufacturers to register their products and thereby market them to international buyers.

'Our experience is that one of the more difficult components of exporting is establishing initial markets, and the export platform does this at no cost to Eastern Cape exporters and manufacturers,' ECDC CEO Mxolisi Matshamba said.

The Export Platform uses Global Sources as its showcase vehicle which is used by over half a million focused buyers from around the globe. Global Sources was established over 35 years ago, way before the Internet was developed, and has simply harnessed the technology for greater impact. ECDC passes on export opportunities generated through a presence on Global Sources to the relevant Eastern Cape exporters and manufacturers.

'We already have 120 industry specific products showcased on Global Sources and encourage Eastern Cape manufacturers who believe their products could be exported to register with us at ECDC.' Registration can include an on-line export readiness test which assists would-be exporters to see if their products are ready to market. 'Often we find that goods may be export-ready but manufacturers are not. Exporting involves a number of steps and we have to ensure that before letting potential exporters market their goods to a potential half a million active buyers that they are ready to provide sizeable orders, at the quality required, and on time,' Matshamba said.

This is where the Trade Promotion Unit steps in and makes contact with manufacturers to give them input on what is required to penetrate the export market. ECDC also links exporters with their relevant export councils, which in turn broadens opportunities for them.

ECDC’s Trade Promotion Unit works closely with a number of organisations involved in trade and export, and companies registered on the Export Platform can access information on specific questions which could relate to freight of export items, what costs are covered by whom and insurance of goods while in transit.

'ECDC is part of an Export Networking Forum along with the Border-Kei Chamber of Business, Transnet, UTI, ABSA and Fabkomp which will provide people registered on the ECDC’s Export Platform with access to information about specific technical export information. 'We request that in cases where companies use the export opportunities successfully that they must keep us informed, so that we can measure the impact of the E-Platform on the promotion of trade and job creation,' said Matshamba.

In some cases such information can enable ECDC to address critical mass limitations in manufacturers. 'Our counterparts in other provinces report that in some instances two manufacturers of the same product might have greater success in the export market if they work together to complete big orders,' Matshamba said.

For more information on the E-Platform, contact the ECDC:
Tel.: +27 43 743 5600
Email: info@ecdc.co.za
Website: www.ecdc.co.za