R80 MILLION
SET ASIDE FOR INDUSTRIAL PARKS PROGRAMME
The Director-General of the
Department of Trade and Industry (the dti), Mr. Lionel October says the
department has set aside R80 million for the refurbishment and resuscitation of
the country’s industrial parks. October was speaking at an Industrial Parks Revitalization
workshop hosted by the dti in Pretoria yesterday.
The workshop was aimed at
developing a collaborative approach with stakeholders towards the enhancement
of industrialization in the lagging regions of South Africa.
According to October,
industrial parks represent an opportunity for stimulating local economic
development. He said they further offered an opportunity for the influx of
foreign investment and employment creation.
“Industrial parks are one
of the most important factors supporting positive economic development. There
is a need to stimulate industrial growth within the regions including the
current operating areas of the industrial parks some of which operate close to
townships, distressed mining towns and labor-sending areas,” said October.
The parks are based on the
philosophy of integration of relatively different functions (production,
services,) into an industrial area with majority of industrial production and
services with high economic turnover and high employment.
He added that the notion of
communities accessing jobs in the industrial parks and small budding
enterprises being developed bodes well for the country’s industrialization
efforts aimed at boosting manufacturing and creating jobs.
“It is clear that
industrial development in distressed towns and regions will result in more
employment opportunities for immediate communities. This will strengthen their
economic well-being and attract both domestic and foreign investments,” he
said.
A collaborative approach to funding will be followed with provincial
economic development departments and various development financial institutions
also participating.
Caption: the dti Director-General,
Mr. Lionel October addressing delegates at the Industrial Parks Revitalization
workshop held yesterday in Pretoria
No comments:
Post a Comment