Ecco Chamber
Fortnightly Italian news made in South Africa
II edition October 2024
QUARTERLY TRADE UPDATE
17 Oct - JHB
22-23 Oct - JHB
03 Nov - PTA
08 Nov - CPT
14-15 Nov - JHB
23-24 Nov - CPT
Chambers Note
Italy South Africa Quarterly Trade Report
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Italian imports from South Africa have endured their expected drop in the first two quarters of 2024, having enjoyed record highs during 2022 and the first half of 2023, owing primarily to Italian demand for emergency sources of coal following the unavailability of Russian gas after the beginning of the Ukrainian war. Nevertheless, having totalled about a half a billion dollars per quarter, imports of South African goods into Italy are proving healthier than expected, performing about 15% better in comparison with the final two quarters of 2023.
The increase is mainly owing to a more robust demand for South African precious stones. This can be expected to remain buoyant as interest rates come down and disposable income allows more space for luxury goods. Additionally, metals such as nickel (for which South Africa is Italy’s 4th most important supplier) performed well, while seafood had a record amount of sales into Italy.
On the other side of the trade balance, a record amount of South African rands were spent on Italian goods coming into South Africa during the first half of 2024. But owing to a weak rand in the first half of the year, this was converted to a fewer amount of dollars than 2021 and 2022 when trade peaked between the two countries.
One item worth noting is that of clothing and apparel which has seen a 29% year-on-year increase over the last five years. T-shirts, jerseys and women’s underwear have lead the way in this growth. Machinery of diverse applications for both industrial and household use have formed the backbone of Italian exports, including to South Africa. While petrol from Italy into South Africa experienced one of its highest ever quarters in Q1. A regular pattern of high volumes of petrol in Q1 and Q2 and subsequent negligible amounts in the second half of each year has been visible for the last three years.
recap: 5th Annual European Chambers'
Golf Day 2024
The 5th Annual European Chambers' Golf Day was organised by the Italian-South African Chamber of Trade and Industries with eight bilateral Chambers of Commerce.
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The event, held on October 8th, 2024, at the Randpark Club, offered participants a unique opportunity to network, compete, and celebrate the spirit of European business in South Africa.
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The collaborative effort of the participating Chambers ensured a diverse and engaging experience for all. The 5th Annual European Chambers' Golf Day was a success, thanks to the participating Chambers' collaborative efforts and our partners' generous support.
View more pictures >> HERE <<
manufacturing indaba
Siyenza invites you to the Manufacturing Indaba 2024: Driving Africa’s Industrial Growth! This event and its provincial roadshows unite manufacturers, industry leaders, government representatives, financiers, and experts. Together, they explore opportunities, share insights, and foster growth in Africa's manufacturing sector.
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Date: 22 - 23 October 2024
Venue: Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg, South Africa.​
Contact info@manufacturingindaba.co.za for more details.
ambrosetti - 11th ceo dialogue on
southern africa
The 11th TEHA CEO Dialogue on Southern Africa is the landmark annual event for global, international and South African public and private stakeholders, with the objective to strengthen their strategic relationship, foster in-depth interaction among peers and Government officials and promote joint growth and investment opportunities.
This event is strictly reserved to Chairmen, CEOs, Directors General, and Managing Directors
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Date: November 14-15, 2024 Johannesburg, South Africa
Address: Summer Place (69 Melville Rd, Hyde Park)
Age Restriction: 25+
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​Participation at the forum is charged R10000 (excl. VAT) per person.
authentic italian
festival
SAVE THE DATE
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Italy in Town is coming to Cape Quarter, Cape Town, on 23-24 November 2024! Get ready for a weekend packed with all things Italian—delicious food, and stunning culture.
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Mark your calendars and don't miss out!
* Tickets are available *
*Visit our Website *
For more info email italfestcpt@italcham.co.za
wam south africa honored with a prestigious award at Electra Mining Africa 2024
WAM South Africa is proud to announce that its groundbreaking PolyTube (Dust Filtration Unit) has been honored with the prestigious "Manufacturing New Innovation" award at Electra Mining Africa 2024. This recognition highlights WAMGROUP®'s commitment to driving innovation within the manufacturing industry.
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With a focus on bulk handling and wastewater components, WAM South Africa remains dedicated to delivering industrial-quality products at competitive prices tailored to various industries' diverse needs.
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The company is honored by this recognition and deeply appreciative of the ongoing support from its customers, reaffirming its commitment to excellence in all aspects of its work.
ecomondo 2024
Ecomondo 2024: Mattei Plan Takes Center Stage at the “Africa Green Growth Forum” for Sustainable Development
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At Italian Exhibition Group's leading trade show for green technologies, from 5th to 8th November, in Rimini, Italy, focuses on Africa and global environmental challenges. More than 100 African representatives and delegations from 120 foreign countries are expected to attend.
Rimini (Italy) 1 October 2024 - Only a month until Ecomondo 2024, Europe’s beacon event for the circular and green economy, organised by IEG - Italian Exhibition Group, from 5th to 8th November at Rimini Expo Centre in Italy.​“The new edition will have an increasingly international look: 900 buyers and delegations from 120 countries are expected, in particular from the Balkan area, sub-Saharan Africa, North Africa, the Middle East and Latin America,” announced IEG CEO Corrado Peraboni. IEG President, Maurizio Ermeti, explained: “A leading event that, now at its 27th edition, will spotlight Africa and global environmental challenges with a full programme of events.” Africa Green Growth Forum, together with an abundant global conference offer coordinated by Ecomondo's Scientific Committee, chaired by Professor Fabio Fava, will highlight, among other things, the Mattei Plan, textile waste exports and rising sea levels in the Mediterranean.
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As Alessandra Astolfi, head of IEG's Green&Technology Division, outlined: “Africa Green Growth Forum (Thursday 7th November) organised by Ecomondo, the Ministry for the Environment and Energy Security, and the Mission Structure for implementing the Presidency of the Council of Ministers’ Mattei Plan, with the participation of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and RES4Africa, will focus on the Mattei Plan’s support for setting up a Centre of Excellence in Morocco, aimed at the entire African continent, for training experts in the renewable energy sector. Energy, agriculture, the circular economy, and socio-economic development in Kenya will also be on the agenda.” The Mattei Plan supports the development of the biofuel supply chain in Africa, in addition to endorsing the use and valorisation of waste (used cooking oil), along the lines of Eni’s efforts, through the Italian Climate Fund and together with the International Finance Corporation (World Bank Group), with 210-million-dollar funding to support over two hundred thousand small agricultural enterprises.
Scheduled events will include “Rising sea levels in the Mediterranean, the forgotten threat” (Wednesday 6th November) organised by Ecomondo and UfM, “Accelerating blue interregional cooperation in the Mediterranean basin” (Thursday 7th November) organised by Ecomondo & Cluster BIG Blue Italian Growth, the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. And “Urban textile and second-hand waste exportation” (Friday 8th November) organised by Ecomondo and UNIRAU.
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The constantly updated programme of events is available on link
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SIGEP World 2025
Buyers Programme
ItalCham invites South African companies to apply for the Hosted Buyers Programme at SIGEP - The World Expo for Foodservice Excellence, taking place from 18-22 January 2025 at the Rimini Expo Centre, Italy.
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Benefits for successful applicants include:
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Pre-arranged meetings with top SIGEP exhibitors
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3-night hotel stay (B&B treatment) for one buyer per company
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Up to €300 flight cost reimbursement
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Transfers between Bologna airport and the hotel
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Daily transfers to the expo venue
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Free entrance and lunch at the exhibition centre
Terms and conditions apply. For more details, visit our webpage: https://www.italcham.co.za/sigep-world-2025-buyers-programme
For assistance, email italy@italcham.co.za.
key energy 2025
buyers programme
Building upon the achievements of our 2024 mission to the KEY Exhibition in Rimini, ItalCham is now inviting applications for the 2025 Delegation from South Africa to attend KEY - The Energy Transition Expo. Organized by IEG - Italian Exhibition Group, this event focuses on technologies, services, and integrated solutions for energy efficiency and renewable energy. It serves as a platform to spotlight the acceleration of energy and climate policies, as well as the emerging opportunities in the market.
EVENT DETAILS:
WHEN: 5-7 March 2025
WHERE: Rimini Expo Centre, Italy
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KEY25 will showcase top companies specializing in services, solutions, and technologies within the energy sector, including solar, storage systems, wind, hydrogen, mobility, and energy efficiency, extending to smart cities. The event will also feature dedicated areas for cross-sector projects, networking, innovation, and training opportunities.
Benefits for Selected Companies:
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Pre-arranged meetings with top KEY ENERGY exhibitors
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3-night hotel accommodation (B&B treatment) for one buyer per company
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Reimbursement up to €300 for flight costs
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Transfers between Bologna airport and the hotel
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Daily transfers to and from the expo venue
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Free entrance tickets and lunch at the exhibition centre
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Buyers will have to undertake and respect the agenda of appointments and actively participate in business meetings planned by IEG.
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IF YOU WISH TO JOIN THE SIGEP HOSTED-BUYERS DELEGATION COMPLETE THE APPLICATION FORM BY THE 15 NOVEMBER 2024
Space is limited - the registration period will close early if the delegation reaches its maximum number of participants.
​The company representative who will attend KEY ENERGY must be a decision-maker.
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For assistance and further information please send an e-mail to desk@italcham.co.za.
job board
There is one new job vacancy on the SMILE Job Portal:​​
Italian Tour Guides - Springbok Atlas Tour & Safaris
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You will find where to apply on the above link.
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View this and other job vacancies on the SMILE website via
this link - CLICK HERE
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If you are currently hiring, please take a look at SMILE-vetted candidates HERE
Alla prossima!