Good morning
We start this week’s report with the extremely good news that the Merchant Shipping Bill is off the table and will not come before Parliament in its current format.
This is in large part due to Exporters Western Cape, SAAFF and SAASOA’s intervention and objection to the Bill and the implication it would have on our industry.
This proves that our democracy works and that we do have a voice!
We are also in receipt of the attached report highlighting the success of the past citrus season, with the PoCT up an impressive 14.10%, with the US up 32.25% YTD – hopefully, our GNU will take cognizance of this and move forward with the trade negotiations between our two countries.
If only our Minister and Deputy Minister of Trade Industry and Competition would take note we cannot look for new markets overnight as none will replace the successful and profitable US trade lane, which we fought hard to build to its current status and now the GNU wants to destroy the goodwill through their inaction on this!
Although we tend to be more sea freight focused, we do need to share the good news on the new Cape Winelands Airport (CAW) that has received a R8 billion investment from Growthpoint Properties and is moving to as planned completion by 2028! Not only with this bring a new international airport to our city but a new logistics hub benefitting the new West Coast growth node and our vital tourism market. EWC has been proudly supportive of the development of CWA since its inception as a catalyst for growth and job opportunities. Click to read more:
Also attached is our invitation to our exciting event on Thursday 23rd and if you have not responded yet, the time is now; noreen@ewc.org.za
Yours in Exporting!
