In a global trade environment increasingly shaped by geopolitical instability, industry stakeholders in the Western Cape are expected to gather this week to discuss key issues affecting exporters, including uncertainty around the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) and proposed infrastructure developments in Cape Town.
The monthly Exporters Western Cape (EWC) networking forum, which has been running for over four decades, continues to provide a platform for engagement on trade-related challenges impacting the region.
According to chairman Terry Gale, the current global climate, particularly the ongoing tensions in the Middle East, has heightened the importance of industry dialogue as exporters face rising costs, shifting trade routes and increased uncertainty.
He said the March session would examine how South African exports could be more effectively positioned in international markets amid shifting global trade dynamics as well as an update on the status of AGOA, with a focus on the potential extension of the agreement and what this could mean for South African exporters navigating an increasingly uncertain trade environment.
Beyond trade policy, the discussion will also look at longer-term infrastructure planning in Cape Town, including the proposed SkyTrain project and its potential to improve mobility and connectivity.
Speakers include Nick Dreyer, CEO of Made in RSA, Linda Bird-Duxbury, marketing director at International Trade Consultants and Gareth Ramsey, a senior engineer at Automation.
The event takes place on Wednesday, March 18, in Cape Town.
