Africa takes the centre stage of world trade next month when AB7 and SAITEX - the continent’s biggest Business Opportunities trade exhibitions - take place from 15 to 17 July 2012 at Gallagher Convention Centre in Johannesburg. Africa’s Big Seven (AB7) is the continent’s biggest food and beverage trade exhibition, comprising seven sector-specific shows combined in one big event. Almost double the size of AB7 is its co-located sister expo, the Southern African International Trade Exhibition (SAITEX) - a vast, multifaceted general retail and light industrial trade exhibition. Countless opportunities under one roof “More than 800 exhibitors from over 40 countries, including a number of companies from Ghana, will be taking part in AB7 and SAITEX,” says John Thomson, organiser of the huge super-shows. “This year we are expecting about 15 000 visitors from over 45 countries; so the combination of hundreds of exhibitors and thousands of visitors adds up to unlimited trade and business opportunities with businesspeople and companies from around the world – all under one roof!” “SAITEX attracts more international support than any other event in Africa, with over 80% of exhibitors from foreign companies,” continues Thomson. “African business owners don’t need to travel all over the world to find opportunities – they can do it all at AB7 and SAITEX in Johannesburg.” Ghana had the fastest growing economy in Africa last year and is one of many African nations participating in the event. Other African countries with companies exhibiting at AB7 and SAITEX include Angola, Botswana, Ethiopia, Lesotho, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia and Zambia. SAITEX – A Wealth of Retail and Light Industrial Products SAITEX focuses on a massive range of general retail and light industrial products, including fast moving consumer goods, electronic systems and appliances, textiles, clothing, leather products and footwear, office equipment, furniture, stationery, and hundreds of other product categories. Light industrial equipment and systems on display will include machinery for manufacturing and packaging a vast range of retail ready products. Two new sub-components have been added to SAITEX this year – Housewares & Homewares, and Home Appliances – join the established and popular Tools, Hardware and Building Supplies (THABS) show. Housewares & Homewares includes crockery, cutlery and servingware, bedding, linen, towels, tableware and accessories, curtains and window fittings, kitchenware and cookware, appliances, home entertainment systems and accessories, indoor, outdoor and workspace furniture, carpets, and rugs, and many more home products.