Entrepreneurship

MAHIKENG, NORTH WEST – A new conversation about international trade, agricultural exports and local economic development took centre stage in Mahikeng as Baobab Ubuntu Media hosted the Chinese Embassy and North West Business Chinese Zero-Tariff Market Policy Summit at Ratshidi Hall in Stateng Village. The summit brought together representatives from the Chinese Embassy, North West Department of Economic Development, African Farmers Association of South Africa (AFASA), North-West University, traditional leadership, academia, farmers, entrepreneurs and community members to explore how South African producers and businesses can prepare themselves to participate in the Chinese market. The gathering placed particular emphasis on helping local businesses understand China's zero-tariff policy, including the requirements that products must meet to access preferential market opportunities. Understanding the China zero-tariff opportunity One of the central messages emerging from the Mahikeng summit was that market access is only the beginning. Businesses seeking to take advantage of international trade opportunities need to understand Rules of Origin, Certificates of Origin, product requirements, quality standards, documentation, logistics and commercial relationships. For emerging producers and small businesses, understanding these requirements can be an important step towards moving from producing for local markets to preparing for international customers. The summit also highlighted the importance of ensuring that opportunities linked to...