Deputy Minister Gina Praises Contribution of Private Sector in Infrastructure Investment and Job Creation |
| The Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry, Ms Nomalungelo Gina has sung the praises of the private sector for investing in infrastructure and job creation initiatives in KwaZulu-Natal. Gina was addressing businesspeople during her visit to the Keystone Industrial Park in Hammarsdale. The R7-billion privately owned park has been described as the only custom-designed logistics, warehousing and light industrial precinct in KwaZulu-Natal. More than 5 000 people are employed in the park.
“Private sector investment is the most critical element of the country’s economic growth. For a private company to have a vision to invest in this kind of infrastructure that has created valuable and customised space for other companies to set up their operations here is greatly commendable. As government we welcome the 5 000 jobs that have been created for the people of this area. The impact of these jobs cannot be underestimated as about 20 000 people could be indirectly benefitting from these employment opportunities. This means that the investment is contributing in lessening unemployment and alleviating poverty,” said Gina. She added that the establishment of the park was in line with the Department of Trade and Industry’s (the dti) Revitalisation of Industrial Parks Programme. The objective of the programme is to upgrade state-owned industrial parks across the country in order to attract investors, create jobs, stimulate industrialisation and boost the country’s exports. Gina also invited investors to engage with various spheres of government when they encounter hurdles. The government, she emphasised, was committed to making the environment conductive for investors to inject their money into the economy without any hindrance, fear or uncertainty. “As government we encourage close collaboration between the public and private sector because we know how much these partnerships and collaborations can go in creating jobs, growing the country’s economy and in transformation. We are hoping that the big companies that have located here will find a way of contributing in assisting small businesses in the area to grow so that the impact is extended further and the companies can create a legacy that they be can proud of,” she added. After addressing businesspeople, Gina was taken on a tour of Dromex Globale, a clothing and textile company, and Mr Price Distribution Warehouse. More than 1 000 people are employed in the two companies.
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