Los Angeles, CA-An elegant reception hosted by the Acting Council General
of South Africa brought prominent international business people together
with food and wines from South Africa in a very posh setting at the Olympic
Collections Building in Los Angeles. There was a mood of optimism about
the future of trade between the two economies.
Celebrating South Africa's National Freedom Day, Acting Council General
Albert Von Rensberg spoke with confidence regarding trade between the United
States and Africa. During the playing of the South African National Anthem,
a young child crawled out and took center stage. This lent a human touch
to an otherwise formal presentation that included some off-hand references
to the "troubles" South Africa is experiencing and a remark by Council
General that "Mandela is missed" rang true. Reconciliation of present differences
within their country is of great concern to the delegation sent here on
a mission to increase trade with the U.S.
Los Angeles businessman Roosevelt Roby stated that he would help in
any way he could to bolster trade between the two countries. Roby is CEO
of the World Business Exchange Network, a global commerce association that
trains international traders on line. He and the Council General agreed
to work toward increased imports and exports between their countries. An
increase in trade to and from South Africa would benefit both countries.
Roby informed the South Africans that his website [www.wbe.nrt]
receives millions of inquiries for trade opportunities and will become
a real advantage to the emerging economy.
Many of the guests at the reception traded businesses cards and e-mail
addresses in order to begin relationships that may bring about more trade
between us. Spirits were high, but only time will tell whether they will
use these resources to converge with global markets. For more information
regarding trade opportunities, visit the Web site www.wbe.net
or call 1-800-537-7347.