Companies and businesses can now trade and exhibit their products and services virtually, thanks to a new app launched by the South African United Business Confederation (SAUBC).
The SAUBC Virtual Trade City, a partnership with Africa Free Trade Agency (AFTA) and SMME Chamber of Commerce is a 3D online virtual trade environment that will all users to trade and exhibit virtually at any time of the day.
In the trade city, businesses and companies will be able to host trade activation activities including trade shows, networking days, roundtable discussions and brand activation days.
Launched as a mobile-friendly web-based application linking to B2B mobile app and web-based marketplaces, the trade city’s participants will receive a link and relevant login details.
Its trade activation activities, such as trade shows, will be promoted through the SAUBC member-base and relevant media channels.
SAUBC president George Sebulela says SAUBC Virtual Trade City will further ensure that there is an increase in trade between companies both locally and internationally.
“The partnership between SAUBC, Africa Free Trade Agency and SMME Chamber of Commerce resonates with our vision, which strives to make South Africa one of the best investment destinations in the world.
Therefore, we encourage all businesses to visit and utilise this new trading and exhibition platform.”
According to Sebulela, the partnership will see the SAUBC Virtual Trade City being rolled out across the continent.
This will in turn allow SAUBC to promote intra-Africa trade and attract international trade and investment opportunities.
De Villiers Olivier, Chief Technology Officer at AFTA said they are excited about the launch of the first Virtual Trade City in partnership with SAUBC and SMME Chamber of Commerce.
“It is our vision to be a catalyst for sustainable trade in Africa that enables exponential socio-economic growth to the direct benefit of the countries of the continent and its people. The SAUBC Virtual Trade City creates an immersive experience that brings trade to life while connecting buyers and sellers.”
The Trade City will start its operations by hosting a trade show composed of at least ten sectors and industries, which will aggregate to 3, 000 companies permanently exhibiting in the various trade centres.
A total of at least twenty tradeshow or trade activation activities will be conducted per annum.
