The South African government recently proposed a one-year industrial policy to increase production capacity, increase job opportunities, and improve trade balance. These policies are recognized by the country’s major garment labor unions. Andre Kriel, secretary general of the Southern African Clothing & Textile Workers' Union (SACTWU), said that South Africa can no longer continue the old path of the past 15 years and it must have some new initiatives.
The total amount of this Industrial Policy Action Plan (IPAP) was 3.6 billion South African pounds, equivalent to approximately 467 million U.S. dollars, which was submitted by the country’s Minister of Trade and Industry in February 2010 for the purpose of promotion. A key industry, including garments, textiles, footwear and leather sectors.
Its plan focuses on procurement at the local level. If the manufacturing industry can provide more employment opportunities, it will receive government's low interest rates, formulate strategic trade policies, and strengthen the cracking down on counterfeit goods at the customs and ban the import of illegal smuggling.
Andre Kriel stated that although the economy has continued to grow, South Africa’s unemployment rate has consistently topped all developing countries because South Africa has the world’s most unequal social class differences. There are also countless factory closures, including textile mills, ready-to-wear factories and footwear manufacturers, and he believes that the government’s promised industrial policy will help solve these problems.
However, he also believes that this one-year industrial policy that will enter into force in April of this year requires very careful allocation of resources. At the same time, the government should provide complete monetary support measures to solve the problem of inflation and the sharp rise in exchange rates. This is far more important than creating suitable job opportunities.
The total amount of this Industrial Policy Action Plan (IPAP) was 3.6 billion South African pounds, equivalent to approximately 467 million U.S. dollars, which was submitted by the country’s Minister of Trade and Industry in February 2010 for the purpose of promotion. A key industry, including garments, textiles, footwear and leather sectors.
Its plan focuses on procurement at the local level. If the manufacturing industry can provide more employment opportunities, it will receive government's low interest rates, formulate strategic trade policies, and strengthen the cracking down on counterfeit goods at the customs and ban the import of illegal smuggling.
Andre Kriel stated that although the economy has continued to grow, South Africa’s unemployment rate has consistently topped all developing countries because South Africa has the world’s most unequal social class differences. There are also countless factory closures, including textile mills, ready-to-wear factories and footwear manufacturers, and he believes that the government’s promised industrial policy will help solve these problems.
However, he also believes that this one-year industrial policy that will enter into force in April of this year requires very careful allocation of resources. At the same time, the government should provide complete monetary support measures to solve the problem of inflation and the sharp rise in exchange rates. This is far more important than creating suitable job opportunities.