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The South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SACCI) welcomes the recognition that concerted action between business and government can achieve significant results, as stated by Department of Trade and Industry (dti) Minister Rob Davies at a SACCI Business Breakfast sponsored by the Tobacco Institute of Southern Africa (TISA). The dti has been at the center of several important policy developments and the engagement provided an excellent platform to exchange ideas.

Mr. Francois van der Merwe, TISA Chairman and CEO, noted that the tobacco industry was eager to work with government to reach mutual goals. “TISA believes in sensibly regulated tobacco market and public education to warn consumers on health risks,” said Mr. Van der Merwe. Van der Merwe emphasized that evidence-based policies and proper consultation with stakeholders could lead to sensible regulation. He warned against unenforceable and unworkable regulations that would result in a culture of non-compliance that benefitted organized criminals. “Plain packaging is counterfeiters dreams come true.”

Minister Davies noted that industrial policy aimed to address structural problems in the economy, most notably that economic growth ‘was demand-side driven. “The future of Africa lies in industrialisation,” said Minister Davies. “The dti pursues regional integration as Africa provides a market with large enough numbers to further support the domestic manufacturing sector.” The Minister noted that a concerted action with business had resulted in R15 billion of investment in the auto sector, amongst others. “Government will partner with companies in the manufacturing sector that raise their competitiveness.” The Minister stated that there was no agenda to expropriate property by way of the proposed Promotion and Protection of Investment Bill, and that foreign investors would continue to enjoy full property protection as provided for in the constitution.

Other areas addressed include the amendments to the BBBEE codes of practice and the protection of intellectual property rights.

SACCI is proud to have hosted this interaction with the Minister and looks forward to further collaborative efforts to improve trade and industrial growth in South Africa.