THE Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Transnet Port Terminals (TPT) have announced the nominees for the 2018 edition of the KZN Exporter of the Year Awards.
Durban Chamber President Musa Makhunga explains, “these awards aim to recognise and celebrate exporters in this province, to highlight the success of local businesses as well as to stimulate the growth of the economy by encouraging other business to strive for similar achievements.
Ultimately, our other goal is to encourage new entrants such as entrepreneurs and SMMEs and to help existing exporters grow their businesses and develop the businesses into new markets and geographies.”
KwaZulu-Natal is South Africa’s second largest provincial economy, contributing almost one-fifth of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) and exports are a cornerstone of our regional economy as the province is strategically positioned by being home to two of Africa’s busiest and largest ports, Durban and Richards Bay.
Additionally, KwaZulu-Natal’s manufacturing sector is the second largest in the country with nearly a third of South Africa’s manufactured exports produced in the province in key industrial and manufacturing zones located throughout the province.
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Exports not only improve the balance of trade by earning foreign revenue, they also boost domestic manufacturing demand which creates jobs and develops skills.
“If we hope to achieve economic growth similar to some of our BRICS counterparts, we have to remove barriers of entry so that more small and medium enterprises can play a meaningful role in growing our economy. This calls for increased enterprise development efforts on the part of established business. Incubators, mentorship programs and guided coaching for entrepreneurs are some of the mechanisms that can be employed to support emerging entrepreneurs. Let us open doors to more newcomers in these awards so that we can create a truly inclusive economy” stated Nozipho Sithole, Transnet Port Terminals (TPT) Chief Executive.
Award winners will be announced at the 2018 Awards Banquet at the ICC on Thursday, 4 October. Tickets are available at R11 000 per table or R 1 250 per seat for Chamber members or for R12 000 per table or R 1 400 per seat for visitors.
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