South Africa and the Netherlands: a natural for doing business. Two great countries that share a long history. Between Amsterdam and Cape Town is one of the few Trans global jet-lag free flights. The old saying opposites attract, how true.

Investors and business developers dream of a business destination which equally combines stability of a developed nation, the opportunity of a vibrant emerging market, and a climate that fosters growth. Trade between Africa and the Netherlands continues to grow and expand, placing the Netherlands as one of the most important trading partners. So, now it’s time to take a closer look at this emerging continent.

Doing business in both hemispheres can be daunting and mind-boggling. As a professional, you want to focus on your business, spot the opportunities where others would normally pose it as a risk, and above all achieve results. Businesses want to realise high profits, putting their efforts into long-term business developments. What you do not want to do is waste time trying to figure out tax structure, complex rules and regulations, and spend countless hours figuring out the best approach to enter into a new corporate environment. Unfortunately, this can often be the case when doing business internationally, certainly if the resources or profits have to cross borders.

Too often, this is a familiar situation, but the South African government is already taking a look at remedies. Much energy has been focused on creating a more adhesive climate for domestic as well as international entrepreneurship. Africa wants to be the place for doing business and the 2010 World Cup could well be the milestone for starting to implement this plan of action.

Africa generally has lower costs, a great climate, creative people and is a gateway to nearly a billion people. The time zone and telecommunications infrastructure are the perfect combination for call centres, and major automotive brands thrive under the South African skies. There is also more and more global recognition for the outstanding quality and export of vehicles.

We are inviting organisations and companies from the Netherlands, Europe, Africa and also the USA and China. This event is being created as a platform for foreign investors and an opportunity to network with companies from all over the world with the emphasis on Africa. For the first time one will be able to find three concepts at the same venue: Let's Meet Africa and Do Business with the exhibition focusing on business which takes place on 7 and 8 November and Let's meet Africa focusing on themes like the African market and the famous African Heritage festival which will take place on 8 and 9 November. 

Some of the confirmed speakers will be Dirk Elzinga, CEO Cape Town International Convention Center, Guy Lundy, CEO Accelerate Cape Town and Ambassador Hlengiwe Mkhize, Ambassador of South Africa to The Netherlands. Organizations such as Business in Development Network (BID), EVD, Southern-African Chamber of Commerce  (SANEC) and CBI as well as other governmental offices will be in attendance. 

“The exhibition is a unique opportunity for professionals with different backgrounds to exchange ideas and experiences.  It will be an international social, cultural and economical event, in which we feature Eindhoven as a World Trade Centre with a key role for African relations.” [Marc Habets, OAVM]

Different themes will be presented during the exhibition e.g. FIFA Soccer World Cup 2010, Emerging Markets, Sustainable Business, Building your network in Africa, African Market research and the development of Leadership in Africa. Many speakers will attend.

Let’s Meet Africa and Do Business is designed to enhance and facilitate trade between Europe and Africa. You will have the opportunity to network with business people from all over the continent and to get access to information, facilities and expertise required to do business in Europe. This event will provide participants with the opportunity to make contacts, which are essential to the development of new business in Africa and Europe.

Experts from International and local institutions will highlight business prospects as well as the trade and investment climate in Africa. In addition, business will showcase their expertise and business opportunities. These opportunities will be open for all potential investors to participate in the global economic growth. The South African Embassy, as well as other African Embassies, and Chambers of Commerce and government institutions such as EVD and CBI are also actively involved in this event. 

The Expected Outcome of this convention will serve as a commercial approach to international development cooperation. It will be a catalyst in the support of numerous successful business investment initiatives, exchange of creative ideas and strengthening the growth of businesses, therefore stimulating economic development on the continent.

Four days, starting with a reception on Thursday 6 November at the Hilton in Eindhoven and ending with rural music on Sunday evening 9 November. A commercial epos about Africa will hold Eindhoven and its surroundings in a firm grip, which will hopefully set the foundation for many years of doing business with and in Africa.

For more information of sponsorship and exhibition opportunities, please contact Marc Habets, Telephone: +31 (0)62 052 5660 www.oavm-africa.com. 
An information evening at Wesgro in Cape Town is also planned soon. Date and time TBA. All are welcome.

Africa is officially open for business.

We look forward to seeing you in Eindhoven.

Marc Habets
Managing Director OAVM Organization & Consultancy
Organizer Let’s Meet Africa and Do Business