"Currently the low levels of cohesion between government and business do not facilitate a 'Team South Africa' approach. Today's engagement is a continuation of the process toward fostering a stronger partnership between business and Government," said Sacci chief executive officer Neren Rau.
The meeting held on Wednesday morning was part of Sacci's programme of engagement with government on issues that are of concern to business.
The Chamber supports the minister's position that it is crucial to the process of job creation that South Africa must raise productivity in the economy specifically in the manufacturing sector.
"South Africa's historical cheap electricity is no longer available and a structural change is needed to reposition the productive economy towards higher levels of value addition.
"Programs outlined by the Minister aimed at achieving this goal include higher levels of beneficiation, more focused incentive programs (especially for SMEs) and prioritization of key sectors," Rau said.
The discussion between the parties included the green economy, BEE, trade promotion and the proposed Tripartite Free Trade Agreement (FTA). In February, Davies said an agreement for the negotiation of the Tripartite FTA - between SADC, Comesa and the East African Community - was launched last year, and that negotiations would start soon.
"The period of exchanging information is now over and the period of negotiating that FTA is beginning," he said, at the time.
Commenting on the Africa Union's proposal last month to create a continent-wide FTA, Davies said such a FTA would build on the Tripartite FTA currently being negotiated.
