Wesgro’s contribution to local economy

WESGRO, Cape Town and the Western Cape’s official Tourism, Trade and Investment Promotion Agency would like to correct the regrettable insinuation in yesterday’s lead story of the Cape Argus (‘Zille’s R540 000 mission queried’) that trade missions do not benefit the economy of the Western Cape.

As was explained to the paper, these missions are an essential part of boosting exports, bringing hundreds of millions of rand into the economy and creating jobs.

Their benefit to Cape companies is significantly enhanced when led by leaders like Premier Helen Zille, mayor Patricia de Lille and MEC for Economic Opportunities Alan Winde.

For more than 30 years Wesgro has been leading trade missions, co-ordinated by market managers from its trade unit and often conducted in collaboration with the Department of Trade and Industry and its units like Trade Invest Africa.

The benefit of this work continues to pay off for our exporters: in the first quarter of our financial year (April-June 2017) eight business agreements have been signed in agro-processing and agribusiness with R84.75 million in exports facilitated and 73 jobs created; R92m in outward foreign direct investment declarations were received, with 120 jobs to be created.

The trade mission to Ethiopia last month, led by De Lille, has already resulted in a declaration amounting to R200m, while the Brexit mission to the UK has resulted in declarations amounting to tens of millions, with an announcement to be made this week by Winde.

Wesgro is proud of these results and will continue to rigorously seek trade opportunities so we can boost economic growth and create jobs.

This is not only in line with international best practice, but in accordance with the legislation that established Wesgro as the Western Cape’s official tourism, trade and investment promotion agency.

COLIN WARDLE Wesgro Media Relations Officer