DTI programme aims for more trade agreements

Leonard Neill
THE DEPARTMENT of Trade and Industry (DTI) has committed itself to an international trade development programme to increase market access for South African exports by negotiating international trade agreements.
This is one of six programmes designed to lead and facilitate access to sustainable economic activity and employment for all South Africans through higher levels of investment and increased access to international markets or South African products. They also aim to create a fair, competitive and efficient marketplace for domestic and foreign enterprises as well as for consumers.
An administration programme, consisting of the department's executive management unit and group systems and support services, which will provide strategic management and logistical support for the department, heads the "six pack".
This will give strength to the international trade plan, as well as an industry development programme which will support the development of policies and strategies for black economic empowerment and development. This will focus on small, medium and micro-sized enterprises, as well as the development of economic sectors and geographical areas.
An enterprise organisation within the department will promote domestic and foreign fixed investments in the South African economy through the allocation and administering of a range of financial support instruments to various enterprises and investors.
A trade and investment programme has been established to encourage investment in South Africa, aimed at developing the country's capacity to export into various markets.