Trade, Industry and Competition Deputy Minister Andrew Whitfield says supporting the manufacturing sector in South Africa remains a key priority for government, as this will lead to more sustainable growth and job creation.
Whitfield was speaking during a site visit to the Usabco Addis manufacturing plant in Cape Town, Western Cape.
According to Whitfield, supporting the manufacturing sector and developing policies that are competitively driven will contribute immensely and respond to some of the issues that the sector is currently facing.
“As the world changes, South Africa is well positioned globally to look at innovative ways to develop and grow the sector. Research, innovation, localisation, the green economy and trade agreements are some of the tools and factors that can be used to position the sector as the leader on the continent,” said Whitfield.
Whitfield commended Usabco Addis for its contribution to the circular economy. This as 40% of the company’s products are produced from recycled plastics and he encouraged the company to find ways to increase its recycled inputs further.
The company currently employs over 800 people, and the Minister was impressed by its efforts to increase its local market share and the creation of even more jobs.
Whitfield also pointed out that the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) funding agencies, such as the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) can be engaged to fund some of the projects that can assist the sector.
“Government does not underestimate nor take for granted the contribution and the investment that the sector has made over the years. It is for us as the department to be in a well-informed position to come with policies that will sustain the sector going forward.
“Ultimately, our job in government is to make it easier for businesses to grow and create jobs, and for our people to get those jobs and keep those jobs.”
Whitfield added that Africa was seen as the next frontier in the manufacturing sector with the African Continental Free Trade Area’s (AfCFTA) drive to boost intra-Africa trade, encourage investment, and stimulate economic growth.
He said that this was an opportunity the country must take full advantage of, as the continent moves in the right direction to curb red tape and drive trade with each other.
“The dtic’s urgent priority over the next five years is to create rapid, inclusive, sustainable growth and job creation through manufacturing, services, investments and export lead growth,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
