The Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry, Ms Elizabeth Thabethe says government will not achieve its employment creation targets without the contribution of the private sector. Thabethe was speaking to business people at a training workshop hosted by the Franchise Association of South Africa (FASA) as part of the Franchise Expo at the Sandton Convention Centre today.
"Our major role as government is to create a conducive environment that will enable your businesses to operate smoothly and successfully in order to create the jobs that we are all hoping for. Government cannot do it alone. We need a partnership with the private sector. Business has a crucial role to play in growing this country's economy," said Thabethe.
She encouraged business people to work closely with the Department of Trade and Industry (the dti) and access the various incentives that the department is offering to assist business people grow their businesses.
"Last year alone we managed to organise international trade and investment missions to more than twenty countries. Quite a significant number of business people have benefitted from these trips which are aimed at opening international markets for trade and investment for our people. International markets will enable us to export our products to other countries. This will necessitate that companies include their production, thereby creating more employment to meet the demand from other countries," added Thabethe.
The Franchise Association's International Franchise recent research has confirmed amongst others that the 668 franchise systems with their over 30 000 franchise outlets in 17 business sectors contributes almost 10% to the country’s GDP. The industry generated a turnover of R302 billion in 2012, adding 3 700 new franchise businesses to the economy – with just under one in two (46%) of franchisors having been in business for more than 12 years and 75% in business for more than 6 years.
Deputy Minister Thabethe speaking to Fish and Chip Co's New Business Manager Milos Mazalek at the Franchise Expo.
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