With proper infrastructure, utilities and management, the 26 approved industrial parks in the country could in future become special economic zones (SEZs).
That’s according to Trade and Industry director-general, Lionel October, who told delegates at a two-day Industrial Parks Symposium in Midrand yesterday that this would only be possible if administrators worked to mobilise the resources and secure the budgets – from municipalities, provincial and national government – required to turn the parks into world class facilities.
“When we talk about revitalising the industrial parks, we are talking about having proper roads for transportation of goods, proper sub-stations to provide electricity, providing cheaper rentals and avoiding overcharging these businesses operating in the parks,” he said. “If this is done properly, this will lower the cost of doing business and make our manufacturing sector competitive and sustainable.”
He added that industrial parks that were able to do this should eventually have the same benefits and support as SEZs in order for them to contribute significantly to the economy and create jobs.
