African American Market Introduction David J. Saunders articles • African American Market • Ambassadors of Tourism • USA and Africa • Franchising for Africans Africa Travel Map				Successful Event NEW JERSEY COMMERCE & ECONOMIC GROWTH COMMISSION CONFERENCE ON 'DOING BUSINESS IN AFRICA' Trenton, NJ (January 27, 2003) - Commerce Secretary William D. Watley convened a daylong conference on doing business in Africa. "Africa is the world's second largest continent, with 750 million people, vast natural resources and growing markets," said Watley in his welcoming remarks. "Economic needs in South Africa and Ghana match many economic strengths of New Jersey companies." Foreseeing the potential partnering opportunities between New Jersey and these developing African countries, approximately 200 New Jersey business people attended, in anticipation of the Commission's first-ever trade mission to South Africa and Ghana, May 10-22, 2003. "Both countries have established frameworks that provide easy access for American businesses," Watley added. "South Africa gives American products most-favored nation tariff rates and encompasses sophisticated financial institutions and capital markets, good communication infrastructure, inexpensive electrical power and raw materials. Ghana's current government is dedicated to encouraging foreign investment as a cornerstone of the country's future economic policies. This can be a win-win situation for all involved." New Jersey Commerce's market research indicates a wealth of opportunities for its businesses to penetrate these emerging global markets. Among those with the strongest immediate potential are telecommunications, pharmaceuticals, environmental services, agriculture, cellular telephony, computer software and services, Eco-tourism, security and safety equipment, chemicals mining and minerals. In the conference's keynote luncheon address, speaker Stephen Hayes, president, Corporate Council on Africa, noted "at no time in history has the climate in Africa been more favorable for US companies to do business." Panel I, African Diplomatic Corporation, covered opportunities for New Jersey businesses, with special emphasis on immediate potential development. Representatives included Thandabantu Nhlapo, deputy chief, Republic of South Africa Mission; Seth Evans Addo, Minister Counselor, Head of Trade and Investment Department, Republic of Ghana Embassy; Mohammed Benjilany, Commercial Consular, Kingdom of Morocco Embassy; and Mahmoud Allam, Consul General & Chief of Mission of the Egyptian Consulate. Panel II, Doing Business in Africa, featured insights from successful companies who have ventured into these growing international markets. Panelists included Richard Waddington, vice president, Africa region, Hoffman International, Inc. Ninad Panse, vice president, Business Solutions Software Intl., Inc.; and Robert L. Huggins, technical director, Jubob Global Ventures. Panel III, Trade Linkage and Programs, covered various state and federal programs and resources available to New Jersey companies interested in participating in the upcoming trade mission. Speakers included Edward Burton, director, US Dept. of Commerce; Erin Schmatz, Africa trade analyst, USAID/Global Technology Network; Richard Larios, director of development, Corporate Council on Africa; and Anthony Caldwell, director, NJ Commerce Office of International Trade & Protocol. Panel IV, International Financial Organizations - Financing African Projects, provided information, sources and processes for gaining access to capital for private ventures in Africa. Speakers included James Kocsi, director, US Small Business Administration; Carrie Walczak, Africa country manager, US Trade & Development Agency; William W. Redway, group vice president, Small & New Business Group, US Export-Import Bank; Joan Edwards, director, Investment Development, Overseas Private Investment Corporation; and Mamadou Barry, senior underwriter, Africa, Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency, World Bank Group. New Jersey is ranked 8th among all states in volume of exports to world markets. During the past fiscal year, the state exported $26 billion worth of goods worldwide. In terms of foreign direct investment, New Jersey ranks as the 8th largest state with $35.4 billion. Find attached is the website link for copy of the above presentation and information about NJ Trade Mission to Republic of Ghana and south Africa for your consideration. Thank you for all your support. NJ AFRICA TRADE & BUSINESS CONFERENCE POWERPOINT PRESENTATION www.state.nj.us/commerce/internat_africa_presentations.html AFRICA TRADE MISSION TO REPUBLIC OF GHANA & South Africa www.state.nj.us/commerce/pdf/AfricaMission.pdf   Karen Wolfe 609-292-2523