Kwazulu-Natal Strategic Geographic Location Can Boost Trade in Africa
The Chairperson of the of KwaZulu-Natal Trade and Investment Agency, Ms Ina Cronje says the province’s strategic geographic position on world trade routes, provides effortless access to major global markets that could be used as a real gateway to Southern Africa and boost trade among African countries. Cronje was addressing stakeholders during the Investing in KwaZulu-Natal panel discussion hosted in Cairo, Egypt.
The purpose of the panel discussion which was held on the sidelines of Intra Africa Trade Fair was to profile investment opportunities in KwaZulu-Natal and the support provided by government in encouraging investment on the continent.
“Besides air and sea transport, the province has modern network of road and railway infrastructure to facilitate convenient movement of people and goods to respond to highly competitive world market,” said Cronje.
Cronje added that in respond to the demands of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, the province continues investing in skills development to prepare the citizen for technological oriented industries.
“At the same time specific sites have been allocated for hi-tech industries like techno-parks in Richards Bay and in the vicinity of Dube Trade Port as part of the Aerotropolis development,” she said
Speaking at the same event, the Chief Operating Officer of Southern Africa for Afreximbank, Mr Humphrey Nwugo said even though the continent is faced with low levels of intra trade, it is important to take into consideration that most African countries have infrastructure deficits that needs to be addressed in order to unlock trade and investment opportunities.
He said that value-added products can lead to increase of trade for finished goods that can address issues of high unemployment and poverty on the continent.
