Gov. Phil Bryant, Mississippi Development Authority to lead multi-industry business development mission to South Africa
Jackson, Mississippi — June 4, 2019 — Governor Phil Bryant and the Mississippi Development Authority will lead a multi-sector business development mission to South Africa from July 21-26. Mississippi companies interested in expanding or initiating trade in the South African market are invited to participate.
“The upcoming governor-led mission to South Africa is a unique opportunity for Mississippi companies desiring to create new business opportunities to connect with qualified buyers. South Africa is in a prime location, offering direct access to trade opportunities in surrounding countries,” said MDA Executive Director Glenn McCullough, Jr. “We encourage those business leaders interested in pursuing trade in South Africa to join the Mississippi delegation as we strengthen our existing business relationships while forging new ones in this strategic market.”
South Africa’s government-owned utilities, such as Eskom (electric power) and Transnet (transportation), have formalized capital expenditure plans for more than $50 billion over the next five years, giving U.S. companies robust opportunities to expand trade into the region. Additionally, U.S.-branded goods continue to gain market share in the country. In 2018, U.S. exports to South Africa totaled $5.5 billion, with Mississippi exports totaling approximately $98.5 million.
The leading sectors for U.S. exporters looking to enter the South African market are: aerospace, agricultural equipment, automotive aftermarket (specialty equipment), electrical power systems, healthcare (medical devices), green building technologies, mining equipment, pollution control equipment, port and maritime infrastructure, rail infrastructure and telecommunications.
Grant assistance is available to eligible businesses to defray costs associated with participating in the trip. Funded by the U.S. Small Business Administration, the Mississippi State Trade Expansion Program reimburses eligible businesses up to 50 percent of travel costs, including airfare, lodging and per diem. Additional services include scheduled appointments with qualified buyers covered at 100 percent and free pre-mission market research and business potential assessment.
Space is limited and offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Early registration is recommended. The deadline to register is June 14. For more information or to obtain a registration form, please contact MDA Senior Trade Manager Luigi Dominighini at (769) 234-0248 or ldominighini@mississippi.org. Interested parties also can visit mississippi.org to learn more about the agency’s international marketing services and events or to request a consultation with an international trade specialist.