The Department of Trade and Industry (the dti) has committed to growing the diversity and volume of  the country’s exports by ensuring that all the stakeholders play their active role in the implementation of the National Exporter Development Programme (NEDP). This came to light at a 3-day Team Export South Africa Workshop that that started in Pretoria on Wednesday 17 June. The workshop was hosted by the dti under the theme “Export-driven Economic Growth and Industriali-sation in South Africa”. 

The first of a three-day workshop, focused on the strategic direction in driving the national export agenda, soliciting support from stakeholders and industry, and encouraging collaboration with stakeholders in the implementation of the National Exporter Development Programme (NEDP) and the reviewed Export Council Model.

The Director of Industrial Policy at the dti, Mr Fanie Gagiano, said that one of the most important strategies was identifying sectors in which South Africa has a comparative advantage. He also identified the need to strengthen institutional support for these sectors and develop a matrix management system to ensure linkages between Industrial Policy Action Plan (IPAP), enterprise development and empowerment programmes on the one hand, and export promotion and development programmes on the other hand.

“The effective implementation of export development requires commitment from a broad range of stakeholders who are involved in the export sector and supporting exporters. The current exporter development landscape in South Africa is extensive but very fragmented, and a deeper engagement and collaboration to effect changes is required to introduce a more coherent support framework,” said Gagiano.

The Acting Chief Director of Export Development and Support at the dti, Mr Jacob Moatshe the New Growth Path also prioritises the creation of jobs in South Africa through a coordinated set of actions consisting of macroeconomic strategies, microeconomic measures and stakeholder commitments to drive employment and economic growth.

“To widen the market for South African goods and services through a stronger focus on exports to the region and other rapidly growing economies, as government we must  encourage collaboration with stakeholders in the implementation of the NEDP and the reviewed Export Council Model”, said Moatshe.

He added that the NEDP avoids a “one size fits all” approach and caters to existing exporters and potential exporters at different stages of development. It also focuses on developing emerging exporters, especially black-and women-owned businesses and potential exporters in targeted sectors.

The Minister of Trade and Industry, Dr Rob Davies will address delegates tomorrow [Friday].