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Export initiative a hit with businesses

05 February, 2008

Three South Africans who recently embarked on an International Trade Management Programme sponsored by the Swedish-South African economic cooperation programme say it has already benefited them. “It has had a huge impact on my business,” says Shaun Stephen, one of the candidates.

Stephen, managing director of consultancy Glock Management Services, is one of the promising young South African business- men and -women selected to undertake the programme, which is run by the Embassy of Sweden through the Swedish Trade Council, and South Africa’s Department for Trade and Industry, dti.

The programme, which aims to train and prepare participants for international trade, includes lectures, seminars, group work and company visits.

Stephen appreciated that the course was hands-on and gave him the tools he needed to prepare for export. “It made me understand my business and my markets, and make sure I was concentrating on the right things.”

The programme had a tangible impact on Stephen’s business. He used the skills he acquired to close a presentation to the 2010 Soccer World Cup Government Unit, and ended up winning the bid.

Another participant, Paul Hoffman, works as a business advisor for the Small Enterprise Development Agency, Seda, in George. Hoffman, who gives trade guidance to small and medium-sized enterprises, says he was surprised at how much he still had left to learn, despite his long experience in the field. “It showed me that old dogs really can learn new tricks. It will benefit myself, my branch and our clients. I will be able to assist my clients better now.”

Ajay Lalloo, director of SA Cellular Communications, has invented a range of products, including cellular phone technology for people who are blind and mute.

Lalloo says the programme has made a big difference to his business already, as it gave him the confidence and negotiation skills to buy back an invention he had sold to another company. He has also developed business ideas together with other candidates.

“The programme will benefit me, my company, my family and ultimately my country. It’s been very enriching,” he says.

The International Trade Management Programme is one of the activities included in the economic cooperation programme between Sweden and South Africa. For more information, e-mail sydafrika@swedishtrade.se.