More details have been provided as to the composition of a six-year, R25-billion economic competitiveness package first unveiled by Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan in October last year.

The 2012 Budget sets aside R9.5-billion for the scheme for the three-year period starting on April 1, 2012, until March 31, 2015.

The allocation was directed primarily towards the Department of Trade and Industry, which was expected to deploy the resources to support a more rapid business recovery, as well as job creation.

A total of R5.8-billion had been earmarked for a manufacturing competitiveness and enhancement programme, which had been designed to offer financial support to manufacturers to enhance their competitiveness.

The second-largest portion, R2.3-billion, would be deployed in support of the proposed new special economic zones, supporting legislation for which was currently out for public comment.

Gordhan announced that further tax relief was also being considered for businesses that invest in these zones, including a reduction in the corporate income tax rate and support for employment and training expenses.

Also included under the competitiveness package was:

• R150-million for the improvement of research facilities at provincial and rural agricultural colleges.
• R400-million for the Agricultural Research Council, which would use the injection to fund the research and production of animal vaccines and to support small farmers.
• R200-million for the Council for Geosciences to upgrade its laboratory equipment and facilities.
• R150-million for the Council of Mineral Technology to be used on various mineral projects, including a rare earth pilot plant.
• R60-million for an incentive to support technology localisation and manufacturing.
• R110-million for an internship programme that would facilitate the placement of postgraduate students with small companies.
• And R180-million for the commercialisation of satellite, titanium, nanotechnology, renewable energy and waste technologies and solutions.

The Budget Review stated that the package would also support manufacturers in temporary distress and that a total of R25-billion would be directed to the programme by 2018.

The Manufacturing Circle broadly welcomed the announcements, as well as the emphasis given to infrastructure development, which could have spinoffs for the manufacturing sector.

But executive director Coenraad Bezuidenhout called for clarity on whether tax relief schemes would definitely be part of the intended special economic zones dispensation.

He also urged more execution consistency, saying that while the allocations were "hugely welcome" the Budget announcement in itself did not mean the policy and institutional readiness for their timeous implementation existed.