Trade and Industry Minister Dr Rob Davies
The promotion of industrialisation and industrial development should go together with radical and inclusive economic growth, Trade and Industry Minister Dr Rob Davies said at the launch of the completion of the first phase of the revitalised Botshabelo industrial park, in Botshabelo, in the Free State, on Wednesday.
“One of the fundamental objectives of the industrial policy priorities is the promotion of a broad-based industrialisation path characterised by the increased participation of historically disadvantaged people and marginalised regions in the mainstream of the industrial economy,” he said.
Davies added that government was using different instruments to promote inclusive economic growth.
“We seek to promote broad participation through the new Codes of Good Practice of Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment, which is encouraging larger industrial companies to source from the smaller companies,” he said.
Davies indicated that the Industrial Parks Revitalisation Programme was targeted at providing a platform for industrialisation in specific regions, thereby promoting growth and sustainability, diversification of economic actives and job creation.
“The programme is aimed at providing industrialists with an environment that is favourable for inclusive growth and decent employment . . . by increasing the security and attractiveness of the industrial parks,” he said.
He added that the revitalisation of the Botshabelo industrial park was part of the R189- million invested in six prioritised parks under the Industrial Parks Revitalisation Programme.
The first phase of the revitalisation included the security infrastructure upgrade, fencing, street lighting and critical electricity requirements at a cost of R24-million.
“This will promote industrialisation and increase contribution to job creation and the country’s economic growth,” concluded Davies.