World Cup Offers Benefits

The Gauteng Provincial Government through its association with Soccerex has set the ball rolling for South African-based companies to explore business opportunities in Brazil in the run-up to the 2014 FIFA World Cup. After the official launch of the 2009 Brasilia Soccerex Forum last week in Brasilia, the stage has been set for locals to export their expertise and skills particularly those currently involved in the 2010 FIFA World Cup preparations.

Gauteng Economic Development Agency Marketing Head Barba Gaoganediwe expressed Gauteng’s vision and drive in positioning the province as the home of sports and a leading player in international sporting affairs. “For us in Gauteng we are using sport as a channel for economic development and a new weapon to attract investors into our country,” explained Gaoganediwe.

The platform is used to not only promote the coming FIFA Confederations Cup but also Soccerex business. Further business opportunities for especially Gauteng based companies in South Africa will be provided by this event that also features Brazil. It makes perfect sense that the proactive approach to business development and 2010 marketing and promotion feature compatriots in Brazil with the South American country hosting the FIFA 2014 edition of the World Cup.

Working together with various government departments, Tourism Authorities and official FIFA ticketing and hospitality service providers the Brazilians are ready to tap into the newly build expertise of the South Africans in terms of preparing for the soccer showpiece. With almost a similar social and logistical set-up Gauteng and South Africa in particular is in a pole position to activate these enormous opportunities offered for countries of the South.

Soccerex Chief Executive Duncan Ravie expressed his delight that Gauteng has continued to associate with the biggest soccer business gathering in the world. “We have had the most successful two years of Soccerex history in Gauteng and we are about to host the biggest and the last edition in November 2009.

We hope Gauteng will share it’s secrets in hosting such a spectacular show with Brazil and assist us to grow this brand to another level”, said Ravie.

At the Soccerex Brasilia Forum in March 2009 South African companies will have an opportunity to showcase their offering in Brazil and make the necessary contacts and impression. Various 2010 host cities, telecommunications companies, events managers and players in the hospitality and waste management sectors have all indicated their desired to be part of the Brasilia Soccerex forum.