Sectors identified to drive economic growth in KZN
AGRO-PROCESSING, tourism and manufacturing are among 15 sectors identified to drive KZN’s economic growth and transformation.
This was announced by KZN Premier Sihle Zikalala at the KZN Economic Council summit held in Durban last week, which brought together various captains of industry and government officials to determine the province’s recovery and transformation plans.
Delegates signed an agreement outlining commitments and action plans for the sectors identified.
'As part of the process, we will map out clear timelines for the implementation of the commitments,' said Zikalala.
'We'll monitor progress to ensure we meet our targets. If not, we should regroup and re-evaluate our strategies.'
KZN MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA), Ravi Pillay said the goal is to raise productivity of provincial state-owned entities, which include the Richards Bay Industrial Development Zone.
'As partners we have to continue expanding our impact,' said Pillay. 'We must develop a model of working together with tangible results, and cascade this model to district and local government levels.
'We should immediately commit to taking this model to all our districts and secondary towns, namely Msunduzi, uMhlathuze, Newcastle, Ray Nkonyeni, KwaDukuza and Alfred Duma.'
The 15 sectors identified to drive economic growth and transformation are:
• Agriculture and agro-processing
• Clothing and textiles
• Creative industries
• Finance and services
• ICT and innovation
• Health innovation and manufacturing
• Industrial development
• Informal sector
• Infrastructure development (water, energy and sanitation)
Investment and trade Manufacturing (automotive, paper and pulp)
Mining and mineral beneficiation Oceans economy
Tourism
Transport and logistics (rail, road and air)
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