Economic Mission to South Africa, Sept. 25 – Oct. 2, 2010

(Export Development Canada)

The Ministère du Developpement Economique, de l’Innovation et de l’Exportation (MDEIE), in collaboration with the High Commission of Canada Trade Office in Johannesburg and Export Development Canada (EDC) have organized a trade mission to Johannesburg and Maputo, South Africa this fall.

The program will include forums or thematic conferences, personalized business meetings adapted to your business’ expertise and goals for the mission, industry visits and networking opportunities throughout the country.

Additionally, if participants are interested in doing business in Mozambique, the Mission may organize a day of meetings in Maputo, the capital of the country, situated one hour’s flight from Johannesburg.

Join this mission and you will have an opportunity to:
• Promote your products or services for export
• Initiate partnerships and strategic alliances
• Establish your organization and explore new business ventures on the African continent
• Make contacts with representatives of Quebec and other Canadian enterprises already established in the country

Who attends:

Canadian exporters who have an interest in South Africa with products or services in information and communication technology, mining, oil and gas, power, rail and health sciences.

Note: Non-Quebec companies will be accepted on a ‘first come, first served’ basis. Cost for Non-Quebec companies is $1,600.

Please register by August 13, 2010 by contacting Roxane Léouzon or call (514) 499-2199, ext. 5619.

Canada, SA Sign Customs Agreement

(Times Live)

Canada and South Africa have signed an agreement to facilitate customs administration between the two countries.

Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan and Canadian High Commissioner Adèle Dion signed the mutual administration agreement, the SA Revenue Service said in a statement.

The agreement consists of forms of practical co-operation, including assisting in applying customs laws and the appearance of customs officers as witnesses as experts in court cases in other countries.

"The agreement signed also enables for the advance electronic transmission of customs data between South Africa and Canada.

"... [This] allows for comparing of data at a transactional level and identifies non-compliance but also helps in identifying and rewarding compliant traders," the statement read.

National and international co-operation in customs administration was essential to keep pace with the increase in international trade, the growth in "transfrontier organised crime" and the threat of terrorism.

South Africa was the top export destination for Canadian goods in Africa in 2006, accounting for 33.5 percent of total exports of Canadian goods to the continent.