the dti to hold public hearings on the Special Economic Zones bill

The Department of Trade and Industry (the dti) will hold public hearings throughout the country to give members of the public, organised labour and business an opportunity to express their views on the Special Economic Zones (SEZ) Bill and Policy, from 14 February to 8 March 2012.

The purpose of the Bill, which was gazetted by the Minister of Trade and Industry, Dr Rob Davies on 23 January 2012, is to broaden the scope and composition of dedicated industrial areas and to support industrial decentralisation.

“The public hearings are part of the process aimed at soliciting comments from members of the public on the draft Bill and policy. All citizens, stakeholders, interested parties, structures, institutions and organisations have until 22 March 2012 to express an opinion, proposals or recommendations on the Bill. the dti is looking forward to valuable feedback on the Bill as we believe that the public consultations will add value and enrich the bill before it becomes law,” said the Director-General, Mr Lionel October.

He added that the new legislation will ensure that the SEZs contribute in the acceleration of economic growth and job creation.

“The Bill supports the acceleration of industrial development and creation of a regionally diverse industrial economy through the creation of new industrial hubs in underdeveloped regions of the country,” said October.

The schedule for the public hearings:

The workshops will take place from 09h00 to 13h30 on the scheduled dates above. The exact venues will be advised in due course.

Enquiries:
Sidwell Medupe
Departmental Spokesperson
Tel: 012 394 1650
Cell: 079 492 1774
E-mail: MSMedupe@thedti.gov.za