By Lew Elias

EAST LONDON - Nineteen firms, a record number, would form part of the Border Kei Chamber of Business stand at the South African International Trade Exhibition (Saitex) in October, the chamber's Jenny Inglis said yesterday.

Last year 15 companies were involved in the combined stand, which won an award for its quality.

This year - apart from locally-based companies, organisations and groups - the stand will also host the Gauteng-based 1Time airline that has successfully introduced a service between Johannesburg and here.

1Time's operations manager Desmond O'Connor said the company was not initially thinking of exhibiting at Saitex but changed its mind when it was given the opportunity to be part of the group that could sell Buffalo City to the rest of the world.

"We joined the chamber just after introducing our flights and we have worked so well with them in the past that joining them on the stand seemed like an excellent idea," he said.

Other first time exhibitors are A J North engineering supplies, automotive component manufacturers Fauricia Auto Plastics, protective clothing manufacturers Kalglove, the Wilsonia Industrial Park, and the Eastern Cape Technikon and Fort Hare University.

Participants include the Blue Lagoon Hotel, the Buffalo City Municipality, Da Gama Textiles, DaimlerChrysler SA, the Eastern Cape Development Corporation, the East London Industrial Development Zone Corporation, Johnson & Johnson, Mondipak, the National Ports Authority and Vektronix.

Saitex takes place at Gallagher Estate from October 5 to 8. South Africa's foremost trade showcase will host more than than 450 exhibitors from 25 countries.

"This year's Saitex has attracted a number of events taking place during the exhibition," show organisers Kagiso said in a statement yesterday.

The event allows exhibitors to network with the world's traders, learn about business in the global economy and find real opportunities across the world.

Highlights of the show calendar include a trade education programme presented by First National Bank International and the launch of a national roadshow by the European Union which explores mutual export, import and investment opportunities.