Alkavex, the steel trading business majority-owned by Alkagesta, has held business development meetings in Tangshan and Tianjin as it develops its commercial activities in China. According to an update published by Alkagesta, the visits brought the company into contact with steel producers, trading businesses, processors and industry representatives in a region important to its sourcing and trading operations.
Bayram Bayramli, Alkagesta’s China Business Developer, led the programme of engagements. The company said the discussions offered a direct view of manufacturers’ production capabilities, the infrastructure supporting their supply chains and opportunities for international trade. Meetings with industry associations formed part of the programme, alongside those with businesses involved in manufacturing and processing steel in the two cities.
Alkagesta described Tangshan and Tianjin as a major corridor for Chinese steel production and exports. It said the engagements helped reinforce commercial relationships that support Alkavex’s regional sourcing and trading activities. The visits formed part of the venture’s continuing business development work in China, which is its principal initial source of steel products.
Based in Malta, Alkavex is a joint venture between Alkagesta and French steel trader Navex SAS, with Alkagesta holding the majority interest. Its initial product focus covers both semi-finished and finished steel. China is the primary sourcing market for that business, while its customer base spans West and East Africa, according to the company’s account of the venture.
Alkagesta said Alkavex combines trading expertise with logistics capabilities and trade finance solutions to serve those African markets. The venture’s offering is intended to support demand from construction, manufacturing and infrastructure development, which the company characterised as growing. The Chinese engagements therefore sit within a business model linking steel sourcing with logistics and financing support for customers in those regions.
Read the original announcement on Alkagesta.