The partnership between the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and Transnet Port Terminals continues to grow as they will again host the 2017 KZN Exporter of the year awards. Now in their 17th year, the awards have grown progressively since their inception in 2000 with four additional categories introduced in 2016. The aim of these awards is to recognize and celebrate exporters in this province, while we stimulate the growth of our economy.

Each year, the programme culminates with the KZN Exporter of the Year Awards Banquet at which the winners are announced. The awards are an ideal showcase for emerging and established exporters of a wide range of goods and services. The ocean economy plays a crucial role in the development of Durban. KwaZulu-Natal being the second largest economic contributor to the South African economy. A large part of the KwaZulu-Natal economy is as a result of being host to the Durban Container Terminal, the largest container terminal in southern Africa, and Richards Bay Terminal.

The awards are also supported by other strategic partners such as the Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Economic Affairs (edtea), Trade & Investment KwaZulu-Natal (TIKZN), Ethekwini Maritime Cluster (EMC), Small Enterprise Development Agency (SEDA) and the Export Credit Insurance Corporation (ECIC) to highlight exporters in KwaZulu-Natal.

The entry process is simple:

1. Select the category or categories you wish to enter
2. Complete the application form
3. Send the completed application form to Rokeya Valli before 1   September 2017

The categories are:

• New Exporter: For exporters who have been exporting for less than 3 years
• Category: Small: Exports less than R25 million per annum
• Category: Medium: Exports between R25 million and R100 million per annum
• Category: Large: Exports greater than R101 million per annum
• Category: Africa: For exporters who are exporting into Africa
• Category: Service Providers: For companies providing a service to exporters e.g. shipping agents, clearing and forwarding agents, insurers, financiers, etc.
• Category: Manufacturers: For all companies operating in the manufacturing sector in KZN
• Category: Agriculture and Agro processing sector: For all companies operating in the   agriculture and agro processing sector in KZN
• Category: Creative Industries: For all companies operating in the creative industries e.g. arts,culture, film, etc.
• Category: Services Sector: For all companies exporting a service, excluding companies   providing a service to exporters e.g. shipping agents, clearing and forwarding agents, insurers, financiers, etc.

Entries are open to all exporters within KwaZulu-Natal and NOT restricted to Durban Chamber members only.

The closing date for entries is 1 September 2017 by which date entries must have been received at the offices of the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

To enter, please complete the attached application form. For further enquiries, please contact the Durban Chamber International Business Manager, Rokeya Valli, on vallir@durbanchamber.co.za or call 031 335 1000.

The award winners will be announced at the 2017 KZN Exporter of the Year Awards Gala Dinner to be held on the 19th of October 2017 at the Durban International Convention Centre. For more information, please contact the Durban Chamber Event Manager, Sharmala Pillay on pillays@durbanchamber.co.za or call 031 335 1000.