What an exciting fortnight this has been for Exporters Western Cape, attending the 25th anniversary of the annual Tralac conference in Sandton on 8th & 9th with focus on the AfCFTA which is moving forward at a rapid pace.
With Wamkele Mene, Secretary-general of the AfCFTA, in attendance, highlighting the important role Africa will play in the future and EWC is 100% in support of the growth of our continent.
Tuesday was Western Cape Government’s 2nd Bi-Annual Export Industry Dialogue, with Premier Alan Winde highlighting retaining trade relations with the USA and market access and ease of doing being addressed in panel discussions.
The week culminated in a round table discussion hosted by Business Leadership SA CEO, Busi Mavuso & McKinsey & Co, again proving the strategic importance of ALL South Africans working together for the benefit of our nation – this is how China became the 2nd most powerful nation on the planet in a few short years and we have a lot more natural resources to achieve this, so why not?
As EWC we are extremely honored and privileged to be present at these important discussions and engagements, as a non-partisan independent partner, representing our members and industry carving out our futures.
Back to business, as the fruit season will shortly be upon us, concern has been raised about the ongoing delays being experienced at DGT (Durban Gateway Terminal) and the impact this will have on the reliability of vessels scheduled calls at Cape Town.
Agricultural exports is a mainstay of the Western Cape economy and globally recognized as a reliable and important supplier of a variety of products to the markets in the Northern Hemisphere.
On Wednesday, 28th EWC is hosting Simon Freemantle, Political Analyst of Standard Bank, providing the keynote address including such relevant topics as the coming LGE, the durability of the GNU and the structural reform agenda, the strained US-SA relations and thoughts on the ANC Succession – an event not be missed – invitation attached.
As EWC as a founding member of the Hong Kong/SA Chamber for Commerce (HKSACC) we 20 free passes to attend ALMAC in November in Hong Kong, for interested members, please find attached.
Hopefully next week, we will return to updates from the Waterfront.
Sincerely
Your independent partner in exports
