Great Internet tools

THE Internet is a wonderful tool for anyone looking to do quick online research but if you don’t know which websites to use, it can be a very time-consuming job.

Last week I promised a list of websites that you should add to your favourites to help you to get online assistance fast. Here are some of my favourites:

• SA Customs tariff schedule (HS numbers & duties):

www.cargoinfo.co.za/customs/customstree.asp

• International customs tariff schedules – great for finding out what duties clients would pay on imports:

www.cargoinfo.co.za/custom_tariffs.asp

• SARS exchange rates – gives a good overall idea of South African Rand (ZAR) exchange rates:

http://commerce.sars.gov.za/roe/MultiDates.asp

• International Customs Bureau – international tariffs for 50 member countries:

www.bitd.org/MemberStates.aspx

• Exchange Rate converter – to change ZAR to all other currencies, including history:

http://www.x-rates.com/d/ZAR/USD/hist2007.html

• Statistics South Africa – important South African socio-economic statistics:

http://www.statssa.gov.za/publications/publicationsearch.asp

• SA Industry sector reports, cost of doing business in SA, export and small business incentives:

http://www.thedti.gov.za/publications/publications.htm

• Alibaba International manufacturers’ directory – said to be world’s largest listing buyers, sellers, products, trade shows and the like. Great for finding out who makes comparable products or new suppliers:

http://www.alibaba.com/

• Global Sources manufacturers’ directory – has verified buyers and sellers as well as products, trade shows and the like. Directory also offers industry specific publications:

http://www.globalsources.com/

• If you are exporting and want your products showcased, you can register your products on the SA Sources page via the Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC):

http://www.ecdc.co.za/contact/index.asp

• CIA world factbook – great site for country information and, yes, it is on the official CIA website:

http://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/

• Country profiles – general overview, recent history, international relations. Prepared by foreign office desk, UK;

http://www.fco.gov.uk/servlet/Front?pagename>OpenMarket/Xcelerate/ShowPage&c>Page&cid>1007029394365

• Centre for promotion of imports from developing countries (CBI). Great site with market research studies, export market research and tutorials:

http://www.cbi.eu/

• List of SA embassies and consulates based abroad. A must-have when planning a foreign market visit. Contact the appropriate SA office for assistance and information:

http://www.dfa.gov.za/foreign/sa_abroad/index.htm

Till next time, happy researching!

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