EVENT OVERVIEW

This event will stimulate discussions on business opportunities for sustained development in some of these African countries. A number of High Commissioners in London will attend to speak on why and how to do business in their countries. Journalists, including Ms. Caroline Boyle, Press Attaché and Head of Outreach, European Parliament UK office will attend to cover the event. Mr. Jonathan Fryer, journalist, writer, broadcaster and lecturer as well Mr. Nick Long, a freelance journalist working for the BBC and other media, will also attend to cover the AFRICA - EU Business and Development Event. 

Lisbon Declaration – EU AFRICA Summit (8-9 December2007): Adopted the EU – Africa Joint Strategy. {We will develop this partnership of equals,….namely: the strengthening of investment, growth and prosperity through regional integration and closer economic ties}.

In December 2007 the EU – Africa Summit in Lisbon saw heads of government of EU and African countries take part in the forum to embark on a relationship as partners. Whilst some progress has been made, concerns have been raised as to the European Partnership Agreement negotiations. (EPA)

The Overseas Development Institute(ODI) has a long history of providing technical support to negotiators and stakeholders in the African states on negotiating Economic Partnership Agreements (EPA) with the European Union (EU), which is complemented by the work that Dr. Christopher Stevens, Senior Associate Fellow, and Former Director of Programmes, International Economic Development Group, (ODI) has been doing. Dr. Stevens will speak at the event to shed some light on the progress and development on the EPA, highlight what exactly countries expect to accomplish and where possible, identify a way forward.

Mr. John Burton, Deputy Director, Head of DFID Africa Regional Department - (UK Department for International Development  will give the Keynote speech and Ms. Sarah Lambert, Acting Head of Representation, The European Commission Representative in the UK, will speak on the state of the economic partnership between Africa and the EU. Major investor, Unilever PLC, UK, has been in successful operations in Africa and has demonstrated positive links and success in Africa. In view of this, Mr. Miguel Pestana, Vice President, Global External Affairs, Unilever PLC, UK, will attend the event to give guest speakers' perspectives and an account of their success stories in regard to investment in Africa.

Going Forward                                     

Speaking at the UK, JAPAN and AFRICA Business and Trade Links Event, organised by okra eXpress in October 2008, The Rt. Hon. Malcolm Bruce, MP, Chair of the House of Commons, International Development Select Committee, a member of parliament who has held high profile spokesmanships on Trade and Industry, Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and Treasury, (a barrister and former journalist who was made a Privy Councillor in 2006 by invitation of Her Majesty the Queen), said in his opening remarks at the event, “Investments that come from outside Africa need to be done in a way that genuinely provide a return on investment but also provide a share for those who are involved and especially for local people who are engaged in it. So of course for that to happen, you have to have real meaningful trade opportunities that allow developing countries to build their home markets but also to ensure that they have access to developed countries”.  

Looking Ahead >>>> Africa is open for business despite the financial crunch brewing in the background.

This exciting, and relevant event will also capture the essence of business and development opportunities in major industries in Africa. It will give investors the chance to gain a better insight as to the growing business and investment opportunities available in Africa.

Business practitioners from leading companies will form part of the audience to stimulate discussions around business investments in some of the African states and High Commissioners in London will attend to showcase their investment opportunities. 

This event will be entirely driven by a greater focus on promoting foreign direct investment flows in the major industries in Africa. 

       Food for thought 

{Economic slowdown affecting today's global environment does not equate to a slowdown on the pace of inflating investment opportunities. The challenge is only a puncture. The wheels are not off yet. Foreign direct investment to better enhance economic development for these countries to flourish is the answer to war. So therefore, positive, robust and concerted efforts are needed to translate our challenges into opportunities to address the swiftly-changing market conditions. This includes adapting policies to diversify and enlarge foreign direct investment with your neighbours and the rest of the world to better enhance integration and economic growth. {Surely the time for just debating has passed - now embark on trade deals}.

This event will also showcase the RWANDA ART LAUNCH  private viewing of The RWANDA >>>> The Path To Peace Basket. Works of Art - Hand woven baskets by women who survived the war in Rwanda. 

Please click on the link below for The Rwanda Paths To Peace Baskets. (The images were obtained from Macy's website. If you are keen and interested to purchase these Peace baskets, please get in touch with Macy's department store, New York, USA). The Rwanda >>>> The Path To Peace Baskets are super, delightful and unmissable.

To access a slice of The Rwanda - Path To Peace Basket, please click on the electonic link below if you can. (The images were obtained from the Macy's website).

We look forward to welcoming you at 6pm at Portcullis House, Attlee Suite, House of Commons, Westminster, Bridge Street, London, SW1A 2LW  for the okra eXpress event. It is always a dynamic and insightful event to focus on potentials. A great opportunity for keen and interested parties to meet and greet, mingle with drinks and nibbles and join a rich mix of participants to gain fresh insights on investment prospects.   

With all good wishes, Bertha Oluwole, Director, okra eXpress >>>> Quality is the key - If you have learnt from our experience, then our past is a success.    

P.S: Carbon Friendly Update >>>> Save Time, Energy & Paper –

Go Green  if you can help it…