The process of designating the Atlantis Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in the Western Cape will be completed within the next two months according to Trade and Industry deputy minister Bulelani Magwanishe.
During a business engagement session hosted by the Department of Trade and Industry (dti), he said that designation of the SEZ – to be developed as a “GreenTech” hub – would create job opportunities, attract investment and boost the local economy.
“The Department of Trade and Industry has funded the Atlantis SEZ with an amount of over R22 million and has already attracted 30 foreign and local enterprises,” said Magwanishe. “The investors have collectively invested a total of R680 million, creating 300 new direct jobs.”
The SEZ is aimed at opening up opportunities for businesspeople in the clean technology, electronics, solar and wind technology, energy efficient technology and alternative waste management and building materials sectors in Atlantis and the surrounding areas.
Additionally, the dti has requested that the Department of Small Business Development assist small, medium and micro-sized enterprises with supply chain development and other services within the economic zone.
