A key challenge for all businesses in South Africa is to develop their competitiveness and gain access to international markets. The business sector has a significant role to play in increasing exports and building the economy. More businesses are becoming aware of the need to trade with one another, and realising the importance of being a part of a global partnership. The internet has made it easier for businesses to obtain information about one another and to transact internationally.

South Africa's current share in world trade is less than 0.7% of total world exports. Even more concerning is that most of our exports are taken up by mineral and primary manufactured products. Now that we have full access to world markets, there are many international business opportunities available to us. We seem to be unable to capitalise on them, as relatively few of our enterprises are geared toward international markets. In addition, a decision to become internationally competitive may no longer be an option. As our tariff barriers are reduced or moved, enterprises will increasingly find themselves having to compete against international companies in our domestic market and may lack the necessary international competitiveness to survive.

CCI is committed to provide both importing and exporting services to South African businesses. We have done thorough research on international trade and have built an extensive database of local and international buyers, sellers and manufacturers. We link buyers and sellers together and thus help South African businesses to claim their stake in the international market.