The Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Mr Andrew Whitfield says South Africa can become an export-oriented economy. This he said can be achieved through the department’s dedicated focus on implementing measures to strengthen local industries, enhance South Africa’s competitiveness in global markets, streamline export processes, lower trade barriers, provide financial and technical assistance to exporters, and cultivate beneficial trade alliances with other nations.
Deputy Minister Whitfield was speaking during the tabling of the department’s Budget Vote in Parliament yesterday.
“It is essential that South Africa’s economic growth is grounded in manufacturing-led growth as outlined by Minister Parks Tau. We will support local industries by using evidence to build a supportive and competitive ecosystem to drive manufacturing growth. Key to this will be identifying intermediate goods that could make our manufacturers more competitive, as well as identifying the products we produce competitively and the markets that consume those products in large or growing volumes,” said Deputy Minister Whitfield.
He noted that Minister Tau has placed industrial policy as a central theme of the 7th administration. However, he said this is not the job of the department alone. Against this backdrop, he said the department will be bold in developing a more transversal relationship between government departments and other key partners while identifying ways to reduce the red tape that is holding progress back.
Additionally, he said the department’s commitment to localisation will be supported by efforts to ensure that as a nation South Africa invests in safety and security, build and maintain infrastructure, secure energy supply and ensure quality education and training for citizens to bolster a skills revolution.
“It is critical that we partner with the private sector to unlock deep pools of capital, benefit from their expertise, and ensure strong investment inflows into our economy. We will ensure open and transparent engagement with the private sector that builds trust and fosters investment and growth,” added Deputy Minister Whitfield.
“I reiterate my commitment to working hand in glove with Minister Tau and Deputy Minister Godlimpi, as we dedicate ourselves to the bold and decisive actions that are required to place our economy on a high growth, high job creation trajectory towards an inclusive future for all,” concluded Deputy Minister Whitfield.
For media enquiries and interview requests:
Bongani Lukhele – Director: Media Relations
Tel: (012) 394 1643
Mobile: 079 5083 457
WhatsApp: 074 2998 512
Email: BLukhele@thedtic.gov.za or Mediarelations@thedtic.gov.za
Issued by: The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic)
Follow us on X: @the_dtic
Share this:
