The Department of Trade and Industry (the dti), invites companies to apply to participate in the 6th Investment and Trade Mission to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) scheduled to take place from 15-19 September 2014.  The Minister of Trade and Industry, Dr Rob Davies says the objective of this mission is to increase trade and investment between South Africa and the DRC. 

“The mission is an ideal platform for South African companies who would like to export value added products and services and for companies who are looking for investment opportunities in the DRC,” he said.  Minister Davies added that the mission is also in line with President Jacob Zuma’s call that the two countries should explore ways of increasing trade between the two countries.  “Last year during the state visit to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), President Zuma told the South Africa-DRC Business Forum in Kinshasa to explore ways to increase trade and investment between the two countries. The President also indicated that the prevailing state of the global economy dictated the African continent prioritise regional integration.

The 6th Investment and Trade Mission is intended amongst others to promote the president’s call,” said Minister Davies. 

The target sectors for this mission include:
·         Agro-processing and Agriculture (Including Agro-technology);
·         Infrastructure (rail, road and telecoms);
·         Built environment professionals (consulting engineers, civil engineering contractors, quantity
·         surveying and architects);
·         Energy (oil, gas and renewable energy);
·         Mining and Capital Equipment;
·         Medical equipment, solutions and supplies;
·         Electro technical (electronics, electrical engineers) 

Minister Davies highlighted that companies applying will be selected in line with the dti’s Export Marketing and Investment Assistance Scheme (EMIA) requirements.  The approved companies will get a subsistence allowance of R2, 300 per day; and an economy class return airfare to a maximum of R17, 000.  Companies that are not eligible for EMIA funding are welcome to participate in this mission at their own expense. 

All companies applying for EMIA funding for this mission need to complete and submit the EMIA application form as well as a one page profile to:  Utangamiri- the dti Group House, EMIA Division Building A: Ground Floor 77 Meintjies Street Sunnyside Pretoria 0002  The closing date for receipt of complete application forms is 4 July 2014.