The construction and property sectors need to become more productive in the next few years, Public Works Minister Geoff Doidge said in Johannesburg on Thursday.

The support of business in addressing change in these sectors was vitally important, he told a press briefing after the department's meeting with Business Unity South Africa (Busa). It was part of efforts to facilitate dialogue between business and leaders of government.

"The transformation programme will seek to invigorate our sectors to become competitive, raise productivity and increase inclusion and participation across the spectrum of our society."

One of the barriers to entry for construction and property emerging companies was access to finance, especially in current economic conditions.

"We are beginning to engage with institutions to explore possible solutions, as the support of business for fast tracking the implementation of the charters, commitment to the continued development of our skills and achieving transformation is essential for South Africa's economic transition process."

Doidge said that the talks with Busa were an example of government's efforts to collectively address the country's problems.

"Busa and the department of public works share common strategic goals, one of which is the objective to advance and promote initiatives aimed at job creation and the alleviation of poverty."

Doidge said that part of Thursday's discussions centred on how business could increase its participation in the government's Expanded Public Works Programme to help alleviate poverty.

"Of interest to Busa members, is the introduction of the non-state sector and specifically the area-based programmes in EPWP 2."

This programme encouraged local organisations to support initiatives that created employment, via projects that built public goods and services.

"This approach offers considerable scope for work activities to be determined by the unique needs of a community and implemented at community level with partial funding from the State."

The minister said that the challenge was how business aligned with the EPWP in supporting emerging enterprise development and skills development.