Durban — At least 700 jobs would be created and R203 million contributed towards the city’s gross domestic product during the Resurgence Economic conference. The projected direct spend for the conference is estimated to be around R82 million.
This was revealed by eThekwini mayor Cyril Xaba during the conference media launch on Monday.
The Resurgence Economic Conference takes place at the Durban ICC from July 17 to 21. The conference aims to foster new business partnerships for eThekwini.
Xaba said that the local economy was expected to receive a massive injection from increased hotel bookings and City spending, as delegates will be supporting various local businesses.
It is expected that an international delegation of more than 8 580 people will arrive for the 5-day conference.
He said that under the conference’s theme – “Moving the needle forward towards economic emancipation” – the aim was to present opportunities for businesses to forge new partnerships.
Xaba said this year’s conference seeks to establish trade relations and progressive investment talks, small business development and opening corridors of trade between Africa and the US.
Critical areas of business collaboration are focused particularly on trade and investment; destination promotion and tourism; meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions; promotion of arts and culture; entrepreneurship; education and training; and export opportunities including agro-processing, citrus and natural health-related products.
He added: “Through this conference, exhibiting businesses will be afforded an opportunity to network and connect with potential investors, build valuable partnerships and expand business networks. The Resurgence Durban Conference highlights opportunities for cross-border collaborations and business growth. Businesses exhibiting will have access to capital and investment opportunities from delegates attending the conference.”
He concluded by assuring that eThekwini was on an upward resurgence and urged investors and business leaders to come build with the city.
Resurgence convener Reverend Dennis Dillon said the conference was about how to move the needle forward for Africans – both in South Africa and the diaspora at large. He added that they aim to accomplish that Africans in the States do more networking with Africans on the continent and bring more resources.
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