Introduction The Sub-Saharan Africa – Asia Business Directory provides the first comprehensive listing of top companies operating in these two continents. It is a useful tool that compiles the relevant information and contact details of African and Asian businesses and trade organisations. The aim of the Directory is to facilitate and increase business opportunities to promote trade and investment between the two regions. Africa-Asia trade Africa-Asia trade is especially important given its potential to contribute to the economic development of African economies. IMF trade data show that Asia-destined exports have grown rapidly in the past decade and accounted for 14.2% of total African exports in 2000, up from 7.7% in 1990. Thus, Asia has undoubtedly emerged as a significant business partner for African export and investment opportunities. This directory serves as a practical business tool that can be used by business and trade associations to strengthen the knowledge base on Africa-Asia trade and investment relations and to facilitate the discovery of market opportunities between these two regions. Origins The development and creation of the sub-Saharan Africa – Asia Business Directory is a collaborative effort that has been made possible through work and contributions of the following organisations: - The World Bank, Africa Region, Private Sector Department - was tasked by the Government of Japan through its initiatives with TICAD to direct and coordinate the development of this directory.
- TICAD - The Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) is an initiative led by the Government of Japan for African development through the promotion of high-level policy dialogues between African leaders and the mobilisation of support for Africa’s own development efforts.
The Directory The Directory has been designed in a manner that allows the user to extract maximum value and is easy to use. Two key concepts underline this directory: - Relevant and accurate information for promoting investment and trade; and
- Easy navigation to ensure users find what they are looking for.
Search functionality The Directory allows users to search for African and Asian businesses operating in sub-Saharan Africa. Users can search the Directory for the following information: - African and Asian businesses with substantive operations in sub-Sahara Africa;
- African and Asian multinationals with operations in sub-Sahara Africa; and
- Leading Asian businesses that do not currently have operations in sub-Sahara Africa but are considered leaders in their field and have the potential to invest.
The user has the opportunity to search for information by either: - Quick search functionality that allows users to search for companies by Country of Origin, Sector and Key Product or Service, or
- Advanced search functionality that allows the users to search by more criteria such as sub- sector and African country of operation. For example users can search for Chinese companies in Angola within a specific sector and sub-sector.
Where to access the information The directory is available in CD-ROM format as well as on the Internet. The Website was launched in June 2006. Go to: www.africaasiabusiness.com to view the site. Users are encouraged to add or modify their company details as required. Alternately, contact Africa Region Private Sector Development Group to provide comments or to add company details to the website. For more information contact: Africa Private Sector Development Group
World Bank
Washington DC
Tel: 1-202-458-9806
Fax: 1-202-522-1198
Web: www.worldbank.org/afr/aftps
E-mail: africaasiabusiness@worldbank.org |
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