The Department of Trade and Industry (thedti) will ensure that inputs that stakeholders gave the department on the national export strategy will be taken into consideration when the final strategy is drafted. This was said by the Deputy Director responsible for export promotion at the dti, Mr Luke Govender.
He was speaking at a provincial consultative workshop which was held in Cape Town today. Stakeholders who attended the workshop included Western Cape export agencies and businesspeople operating in the export industry.
Govender said that one of the main objectives of the review of the strategy was to increase exports by 6% by 2030, as per the New Growth Path’s vision. He added that increasing the foreign direct investment, was also key to the economy of the country, hence the review.
During the discussions, it was clear that the Western Cape stakeholders were appreciative of the fact that government, the dti in particular, was providing incentives for the exporters. However, they articulated that accessing these incentives was sometimes a difficult mission.
"the dti should work hard to decrease the red tape and make it easier for the exporters to access the incentives," said Mr Vivian Jacobs, one of the participants.
Another challenge that the stakeholders felt needed attention was the continuation of support for exporters even when the company has grown. They say there should be programmes to support them throughout, for sustainability, just like China was doing for its exporters.
According to Govender, the department is working towards finalising the strategy during the 2013/14 financial year. The provincial workshops will culminate in a national workshop in Gauteng in March 2013.
Enquiries:
Bongani Lukhele, Acting Chief Director: Media Liaison
Cell: 079 5083 457
Tel: 012 394 1643
E-mail: Blukhele@thedti.gov.za
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