Cape exporters zoom in on West Africa opportunities

If we want to grow the Western Cape economy, we have to grow exports, which is why finding new markets is high on the agenda of the Exporters’ Club Western Cape (ECWC). According to chairman Terry Gale, this is critical at a time when traditional markets are still reeling in the light of ongoing financial turmoil. “At the same time we are looking for markets to which we can export manufactured goods to bring about more beneficiation for the province.” He said one of the regions identified was West Africa. “There is much opportunity for Western Cape exporters in West Africa, specifically Angola, Nigeria and Ghana. Also shipping lines have realised the interest in this region and there are more services being made available all the time at competitive rates.” He said a forum of various role-players and stakeholders, including the provincial government, various businesses and organisations, as well as the City Council, the Cape Town Chamber of Business and the ECWC, was meeting regularly to find ways of growing the Western Cape economy. New export markets have been cited as a key move forward. “When we look at Europe it becomes clear that we need to establish new markets for our exporters,” he said. Citing an example of one exporter who a few years ago was sending 8-10 containers a week to the UK, while now only managing two a month, Gale said while business was still happening, the tough economic times were impacting on South African exporters. “We are also facing heavy competition from the likes of Brazil and Chile in our traditional markets. From a Western Cape perspective the opportunities in West Africa are particularly good as we are able to reach the market more readily, we have goods they require and we understand the way of doing business. It bodes well for our economy if we can develop this market.” He said it was just as important for more roleplayers to work together to find solutions to the challenges in the economy. “We cannot work in silos alone and try to overcome the obstacles. Working together we can achieve so much more. The ECWC is therefore involved in various efforts in the province that will ultimately impact positively on exporters. At the same time we are ensuring through our involvement and our monthly functions that we keep our members up to date with current events taking place within he global market place – be it commercial or financial.” He said the ECWC objectives ultimately remained the encouragement of an active and sustainable exporting industry, which necessitated the development of new markets. “We have the product in the Western Cape and we are working hard at developing our manufacturing sector. At the same time we also need to make sure we have markets in which to sell our product.” CAPTION Exporters’ Club Western Cape chairman Terry Gale … ‘Roleplayers must work together.’