As a result of our Miami-Dade Business Development Mission to South Africa in April, 2007, The Department of Trade and Investment of that county has informed our office that they will be bringing a trade delegation to our community. Mr. Iqbal Sharma, Deputy Director General of South Africa's Department of Trade and Industry, will lead the delegation which will consist of South African government economic development agency representatives, as well as private sector businesses.

The delegation will focus their efforts on our previous discussions to establish direct flights between Miami and Johannesburg as well as exploring the possibility of establishing a Trade Office in Miami. They will also be promoting the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, and exploring business opportunities in the tourism, agro-business, and information technology sectors that could benefit local Miami-Dade businesses.

For more information contact Ms. Jeanie Lisenby at 305-375-5290 or e-mail Lisenby@miamidade.gov