Minimum qualifications have been established. They are as follows:

• Originate from and be established in one of the participating countries
• Be engaged in manufacturing, services, primary production or trade activities
• Be established in business for at least 5 years and be in possession of audited financial statement for that period or for those with new business ideas, have a previous track record of successfully launching/managing a business
• Have annual sales turnover of US $ 500,000, or if recruited after August 2003, US $ 1,500,000
• Possess the managerial and operational capacity to engage in and follow-up on negotiations at the Forum
• Be able to finance the cost of return air ticket to the Forum venue and related costs.

However the focal point will use his/her judgment in each case

The focal point will be expected to review and screen the companies he/she selects. AFRIFINANCE will do the final selection. The main test this time around is that the company should have enough financial strength to enter into joint business ventures with Asian and/or African counterparts.