The Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Mr Parks Tau will address the Eastern Cape Export Symposium and Exhibition Ministerial Cocktail Dinner that will take place at the East London International Convention Centre on Wednesday, 19 August 2026 starting at 20:00.
The three-day Symposium and Exhibition starting from 19 – 21 August 2026 will focus on export competitiveness, market access, inward buying mission, investment promotion and strategic partnerships to expand export opportunities for South African businesses, and is a collaboration between the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic), the Eastern Cape Provincial Government and the Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC).
According to Tau, the Symposium and Exhibition will enhance collaboration between national, and provincial institutions while increasing awareness and uptake of the dtic’s export support programmes and services.
Tau says the Eastern Cape remains one of South Africa’s leading export provinces, with internationally competitive sectors including automotive manufacturing, agriculture, agro-processing, manufacturing, ocean economy and renewable energy.
“The Eastern Cape sits at the centre of our industrialisation and export diversification agenda. Its automotive, agro-processing and ocean economy sectors, anchored by industrial infrastructure such as the Coega Special Economic Zone and East London Industrial Development Zone, give the province the depth to compete globally and to help us broaden our export base beyond traditional markets. As global trade conditions shift, strengthening these local export capabilities and connecting more of our enterprises, particularly small and black-owned businesses, to international markets is central to building a more resilient and inclusive economy,” he says.
Tau adds that the dtic has been an active partner in previous editions through technical presentations on trade agreements, export incentives and export development programmes.
Since its inception in 2019, the Symposium has become the Eastern Cape flagship export promotion platform, attracting over 4000 delegates, supporting more than 1200 enterprises, hosting 300 exhibitors, and facilitating export opportunities estimated at R200 million.
Media Enquiries:
Kaamil Alli – Ministerial Spokesperson
Mobile: +27 82 520 6813
WhatsApp: +27 82 520 6813
E-mail: KAlli@thedtic.gov.za
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Bongani Lukhele – Director: Media Relations
Tel: (012) 394 1643
Mobile: 079 5083 457
WhatsApp: 074 2998 512
E-mail: BLukhele@thedtic.gov.za
Issued by: The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic)
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