Preparations are at an advanced stage to host the first-ever North West Province BRICS Expo and International Trade & Tourism Conference. This event, which is attracting local, national and international delegates, exhibitors and speakers, will be held from 21 to 24 February 2013 in the provincial capital of Mahikeng.

BRICS is an acronym for the powerful grouping of the world’s leading emerging economies, namely Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. Considering that South Africa will host the fifth BRICS Summit in Durban in March this year, the North West BRICS Expo and International Trade & Tourism Conference, serves as precursor event, creating a platform to forge links and partnerships in trade and investment between the BRICS countries and the North West Province.

This inaugural event is hosted by the North West Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism in partnership with the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) and BRICS EXPO Pty (Ltd).

The three-day programme of the North West BRICS Expo and International Trade and Tourism Conference is set to provide insights into the BRICS economies and empower delegates regarding trade, tourism and investment opportunities in their respective markets. Speakers and topics are to include: Matching BRIC Foreign Direct Investments with the North West Province by a grouping of renowned North West University Professors; World Economic Outlook and its Implications by Hannah Edinger from Frontier Advisory; Sino-Africa Trade by Mr Guo Junfeng from the Henan Province in China; and African Economy and Investment Trends by Dr. Martin Davies. Various sector specialists will host sector-specific breakaway sessions on Tourism, Infrastructure, Mining and Agriculture.

Delegate and Exhibitor registrations are still open. Additional information as well as an on-line registration form can be found on the Invest North West website: www.inw.org.za
Alternatively, enquiries could be directed to Annemarie Marx or Sam Mudramuthoo at Invest North West (014 594 2570).