03/09/2014
Dti opens doors for small businesses in Mozambique
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31-8-2014
Pretoria - Gauteng-based jewellery-maker, Khomotso Maimela of KJ Creations, is confident of finding a market for her range of jewellery products.
Maimela exhibited her creations at the 50th Feira International de Maputo (FACIM) Fair in Mozambique which ended in Maputo this weekend.
Her company was one of the 28 companies taken to Mozambique by the Department of Trade and Industry (dti) through its Export Marketing and Investment Assistance (EMIA) scheme to showcase South African made products and services.
This forms part of the dti’s national export and market diversification strategy for Africa.
“I was inspired by the high number of visitors that came to my stand at the exhibition and showed interest in my products. I am optimistic that we will soon receive orders from Mozambique and establish some clientele base there,” she said.
Maimela, who is a jewellery designer and manufactures alumni with the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT), her relationship with the dti began when she approached the Small Enterprise Development Agency (Seda) to assist her to expand her company.
“It was through Seda that I was introduced to a host of the many services that are offered at the dti. I learned of the EMIA scheme through one of my continuous engagements with the dti officials and have to date been afforded the opportunity to showcase my products in London, the United States of America and Italy.
She added that her products range from affordable pieces for the South African retail market and high end pieces like wedding jewellery.
“Our products are manufactured using materials such as gold, silver, palladium and platinum. We can also design our products according to the client’s specifications,” saID Maimela.
She said she has always wanted to explore and see what opportunities are there beyond the borders of South Africa.
“I have heard through industry insiders that Mozambique is a fertile ground in terms of developing my business. That is why I made this trip and it is my hope to make notable contacts as a first step to creating a presence for my organisation in the country,” she said. - SAnews.gov.za
