The Free State is making a decisive push to market itself towards the potentially lucrative Asian market, as it prepares to host the Asia+Expo 2008 this October.

The Free State Investment Promotion Agency (FIPA) is working with the Free State Department of Tourism, Environmental and Economic Affairs (DTEEA) to host the fourth annual Asia Expo in Bloemfontein between 17 to 19 October.

The purpose of the Expo is to provide a platform and showcase the wide range of products and services in the Free State to number of buyers and exhibitors from targeted Asian countries. The event will also be targeted at buyers from the Middle East and other African markets.

It is expected that the Asia Expo will help to facilitate networking and match making opportunities for both local businesses in the Free State as well their foreign counterparts.

Asia Expo will also help to promote Free State Province as an investment destination, whilst increasing the competitiveness and innovation in key sectors of the Free State economy.

This platform also provides for strengthening of relationship between the South African and other targeted countries within the spirit of South to South Cooperation Agreements signed by South Africa.

Key sectors to be highlighted at the expo include:

• BPO and ICT
• Agro-processing
• Tourism
• Mining
• Transport and Logistics
• Chemicals

The Expo is being targeted at a range of high level delegates including exporters, foreign and local investors, the Chambers of Commerce, Corporates and SMEs in relevant sectors, Government structures and agencies, as well as the media.

Asia Expo 2008 will be held from the 17 to 19 of October 2008, at the University of Free State Rugby Stadium in Bloemfontein.

Exhibition: 17-19 October 2008
Platform for Free State, South African and invited international companies to showcase their products and services, Networking opportunity

Conference: 17 October 2008
Transformation of the South African and Free State Economy, Prepare your company to seize the business, trade and investment opportunities, Presentations on Free State investment opportunities

Business Match Making: 18 October 2008
One on One business match making between local businesses and investors

For more information on the exhibition and conference, visit the Asia Expo 2008 website: www.asiaexpo2008.com

For more information about the Conference and Business Match Making at Asia Expo 2008, contact Mr Frank Tlhomelang by email at frank@fipa-sa.co.za or by tel on +27 51 410 0886, or by fax on +27 86 566 5083.

For more information about the exhibition, contact Ms Lara Rachel Machado by email at lara@zdglobalexhibitions.co.za, or by tel on +27 11 885 161, or by fax on +27 11 885 1628.

For any media enquiries, contact Mr Khotso Tau by email at tauk@dteeafs.gov.za, or by telephone on +27 51 400 9542, by fax on +27 51 400 9541.