News Room

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 16, 2007

Columbus, OH -- Lieutenant Governor Lee Fisher today announced that the Ohio Department of Development's International Trade Division will participate in a business mission to South Africa from February 19 – 23, 2007. The mission, hosted by the Council of Great Lakes Governors (CGLG) will include stops in Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town.

"Exporting is a critical component of Ohio's economy and South Africa is one of the world's most dynamic and fastest-growing markets," said Lt. Governor Fisher, who also serves as director of the Ohio Department of Development. "Ohio has seen significant increases in exports to South Africa in recent years and this mission is an excellent opportunity for Ohio business leaders to learn how international trade will benefit their operations and will enable them to make valuable business contacts."

Through the efforts of the CGLG member states and the CGLG office in Johannesburg, each participating company will receive a series of one-on-one business meetings with South African firms that have expressed an interest in conducting business with Ohio. The meetings are designed to help Ohio business leaders gain valuable contacts and leads for future export sales; achieve sales agreements; promote Ohio as a destination for business investment; and strengthen ties between Ohio and South African businesses, governments and communities.

South Africa's similar legal, corporate and language framework make it one of the fastest export markets for American companies based in the Great Lakes region. The nation's economy is expected to grow by at least five percent in the coming year. Over the past three years, South Africa has had one of the best performing stock and property markets in the world. In 2005, total U.S. exports to South Africa were $3.8 billion, of which $1.8 billion came from the eight CGLG states, with more than $481 million coming directly from Ohio firms.

Trade mission participants include representatives from: The Edison Welding Institute, Columbus; Treeman Industries, Boardman; Global Cooling, Athens; Ohio University, Athens; Tegam, Inc., Geneva; Crown Battery, Fremont; and the Ohio Department of Development.