SOUTH AFRICA and Norway launch Trade Program
In January 2008, Innovation Norway and Norad (Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation) launched the Trade Program. The aim of this program is to respond to the import demand from Norway by identifying South African products which may be of interest for Norwegian importers.
The Trade Program is an addition to the partnership programme called the Match Making Program (MMP) which was introduced in South Africa in 1997. MMP is financed by Norad.
The Program benefits companies through providing advisory services, compiling itinerary plans, facilitating meetings, funding travel grants, feasibility studies and training. Outside of the MMP, Norad has Import Schemes available which benefit Norwegian Importers through providing cover on guarantees, market penetration / promotions of new products and product development, i.e. modification of packaging.
As a first step, Innovation Norway has conducted research into the Cosmetics Sector in South Africa. We have been working closely with the CFTA (Cosmetic, Fragrance and Toiletry Association) to identify export ready South African companies who have unique and innovative products of potential interest for Norway.
In September 2008 a group of 8 South African companies were sent across to Norway and they met with industry players. There was significant interest from Norway in terms of looking at new and innovative products and the process of following up on the visit is continuing.
Other Norwegian Importers have visited South Africa and have shown interest in other products in the agricultural,- furniture and clothing sectors.
We hope to see Norwegians growing accustomed to reading that some of the products they purchase come from South Africa!
Read more on Norad's home pages http://www.norad.no/default.asp?V_ITEM_ID=1769