The process of designating the Atlantis Special Economic Zone (SEZ) should be completed soon, says Trade and Industry Deputy Minister Bulelani Magwanishe.
Speaking at Friday’s engagement session with business, the Deputy Minister said the designation of the SEZ in the Western Cape will be completed in two months.
Deputy Minister Magwanishe told the session at the Protea Primary School in Atlantis that the SEZ will be developed as a GreenTech hub with particular focus on clean technologies. It will also focus on electronics, solar and wind energy technologies, energy efficient technologies, alternative waste management, alternative building materials, and technologies.
“The SEZ will open up opportunities for businesspeople operating in this sectors of the economy,” he said, adding that job opportunities will be created through the initiative.
“The Department of Trade and Industry (dti) has funded the Atlantis SEZ with an amount of over R22 million and has already attracted 30 foreign and local enterprises. The investors have collectively invested a total of R680 million, creating 300 new direct jobs,” said Deputy Minister Magwanishe.
SEZs are geographically designated areas of a country that are set aside for specifically targeted economic activities.
He assured the businesspeople of the dti’s commitment to assist the Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises from Atlantis to benefit in the proposed SEZ.
In addition, the dti has requested the Department of Small Business Development to assist SMMEs with the supplier chain development and other services in the economic zone.
Meanwhile, Small Business Development Deputy Minister Cassel Mathale said the session is evidence of the commitment of all the spheres of government to work together and create opportunities for the advancement of the people of Atlantis.
Deputy Minister of Telecommunication and Postal Services, Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams, has urged businesspeople not to miss the opportunities brought by the fourth industrial revolution.
MEC of Finance in the Western Cape, Ivan Meyer, also weighed in and described the Atlantis SEZ as one that provides hope and opportunities for people to excel.
The session was held in partnership with the Western Cape government, the City of Cape Town, Departments of Telecommunication and Postal Services, Small Business Development, Economic Development, Home Affairs and Water and Sanitation. – SAnews.gov.za
