The MEC for Economic Development and Tourism in KwaZulu-Natal, Mr Michael Mabuyakhulu says the special economic zones proposed in the newly-gazetted Special Economic Zones (SEZ) Bill and Policy will go a long way in boosting the economic growth of KwaZulu-Natal. Mabuyakhulu was speaking at the first provincial public hearings session hosted by the Department of Trade and Industry (the dti) in Durban today. More than hundred people attended the session.
The purpose of the public hearings is to give members of the public, organised labour and business an opportunity to express their views on the Special Economic Zones Bill and Policy.
“We need to develop special economic zones in such a way that we promote integration and linkages between the first and second economy in order for everyone to benefit. We also welcome the expansion of the criteria so that those provinces that are not close to international airports or sea ports can also be supported to grow the economy,” said Mabuyakhulu.
He also said South Africa could learn from other countries that have already implemented the policy
According to the Chief Director responsible for the Industrial Developments Zones at the dti, Mr Kaya Ngqaka, opinions expressed and submission made by those attending the session in Durban, and others throughout the country, will be considered when the bill and policy are finalised.
The main aim of the SEZ bill and policy is to support the acceleration of industrial development in order to promote growth and creation of sustainable and decent jobs and also to promote the creation of a regionally diverse industrial economy through the creation of new industrial hubs in underdevelopment regions.
The SEZ can be utilised to create a sustainable environment for foreign and domestic direct investment and build targeted industries aimed at developing strategic industrial capabilities and industrial regions.
The purpose of the Bill, which was gazetted by the Minister of Trade and Industry, Dr Rob Davies last month, is to provide for an effective mechanism for the development, operation and management of special economic zones in order to promote accelerated industrial development and industrial decentralisation.
Enquiries:
Sidwell Medupe
Departmental spokesperson
Cell: 079 492 1774
Tel: 012 394 1650
E-mail: MSMedupe@thedti.gov.za
