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The South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry, together with partner Pfizer, held a business dialogue breakfast with the Minister of Trade and Industry, Hon Dr. Rob Davies, MP, on Wednesday, 25 July 2012. The purpose of the engagement, part of SACCI’s ongoing program of engagement with Government, is to place issues of concern as well as possible solutions on the table. In a statement issued today the CEO of SACCI, Mr Neren Rau, said:

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SACCI supports the position of the Minister of Trade and Industry at today’s business dialogue that it is crucial to the process of job creation that South Africa must raise productivity in the economy broadly, and specifically in the manufacturing sector. South Africa’s historical competitive edge (cheap electricity) is no longer available and a structural change is needed to reposition the productive economy towards higher levels of value addition.

Programs outlined by the Minister aimed at achieving this goal include higher levels of beneficiation, more focused incentive programs (especially for SMEs) and prioritization of key sectors.

SACCI members tabled a number of issues in a frank discussion with Minister Davies. Topics included the negotiations around the proposed Tripartite Free Trade Agreement, South Africa’s policies in engaging with China, the green economy, Agro processing, BEE and trade promotion. Trade policy issues such as the need for higher and more effective levels of economic diplomacy as wel as the government initiatives to address the lack of regional infrastructure were also discussed.

Currently the low levels of cohesion between government and business do not facilitate a “Team South Africa” approach. Today’s engagement is a continuation of the process toward fostering a stronger partnership between business and Government, and the SACCI Annual Convention on the 4th and 5th of October is the pinnacle event in this regard.

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