Buyers from around the world convene in Cape Town for the second Made in the Cape 2024 expo, powered by Wesgro. More than 800 B2B meetings have been arranged, connecting 420 local exporters with global opportunities.
Following the resounding success of the inaugural ‘Made in the Cape’ expo in March 2023, the second instalment, scheduled to take place from 4-8 March 2024, seeks to further increase export opportunities by connecting more local producers with international buyers.
The official Welcome Reception, attended by key stakeholders including Provincial MEC for Finance and Economic Opportunities, Mireille Wenger, Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth in the City of Cape Town, Alderman Vos, Western Minister of Agriculture, Dr Irvan Meyer, Members of the Wesgro Board of Directors, Consuls General as well members of the diplomatic corps, took place on Monday evening, the 4th of March 2024.
“The Western Cape is a global leader when it comes to the integrity and traceability of standards for environmental sustainability and ethical trade”. This was the key message echoed by speakers as a stamp of quality and assurance to the international buyers from 23 different countries including USA, Canada, France Ghana, Kenya, Cameroon and many others who were also in attendance.
In her opening address, MEC Mireille Wenger assured the business community that the Western Cape government remains committed to drastically boost economic growth by making it as easy as possible to do business in the province. A commitment that finds expression in the bold and ambitious economic action plan, Growth for Jobs (G4J) which is characterised by breakout economic growth, sustainability, resilience, diversity, and prosperity for all.
“The Western Cape punches well above it weight when it comes to global exports, showing that we are the source market of choice. We are known for the quality of our goods and services with produces and service providers that are trusted. Last year, our exports showed an impressive growth of 8,9%, reaching a value of R2 billion. This growth is a testament to trust and value that we place on our goods and services,” said Wenger.
Alderman Vos praised the Cape Trade Portal
- a trusted virtual marketplace, connecting buyers across the globe to Cape Town and Western Cape sellers, for its role in boosting visibility and market support for local exporters, stating:
“The Cape Trade Portal is more than a platform. It’s a game changer for local businesses. I saw our businesses making use of the Cape Trade Portal expand beyond local markets, reaching global audiences…This experience really fuels my commitment to make Cape Town the easiest place to do business in Africa”.
With the agricultural sector not only stimulating economic growth in the province but also playing a major role in creating sustainable job opportunities, Western Minister of Agriculture, Dr Irvan Meyer emphaised the importance of providing a wide range of development and support services to the agricultural community to make it easy to do business in the province.
Meyer spotlighted the official opening of the Western Cape Department of Agriculture’s Veterinary Services’ innovative Export Certificate Office System (ECOS), which provides the customer with a 24-hour export facilitation service that reduces the export certificate application process from days to minutes. With the support of the National Department of Agriculture, ECOS ensures the traceability and compliance of all relevant products on a national scale.
“Quality, Sustainability, Diversity, and Trust! This is what you can get when you buy from the Western Cape’, said the CEO of Wesgro, Wrenelle Stander in her closing statement.
The “Made in the Cape” brand inspires consumer trust and shines a light on geographical and cultural diversity. It is a product made with great care and concern for our planet”, added Stander.