The Dube Trade Port has injected R11.5 billion into the South African economy over the past ten years, creating nearly 100 000 jobs.
This according to KwaZulu Natal (KZN) MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Sihle Zikalala, who opened the annual KZN Export Week at the Durban International Convention Centre today.
He noted that cargo volumes through the Dube Cargo Terminal had grown 138% since opening in 2010 – with an increase of 25% in 2017 over 2016. This was alongside a corresponding revenue growth of 44%.
Zikalala said the special economic zone had attracted large investments and facilitated the importation and exportation of diverse goods.
“South Africa’s export levels are well below those found in many emerging markets, with the bulk concentration on raw materials,” he said. “As a government we want to see more finished products exported and value addition industries created which in turn will stabilise our economy, create jobs and reduce unemployment.”
The KZN Export Week was developed by the Trade and Investment KZN (TIKZN) board’s export and trade development unit in order to promote and assist with growing export opportunities in the province by giving export-ready businesses a platform to enhance their international business development strategies.
The TIKZN today announced the appointment of the previous head of its export and trade development unit, Neville Matjie, as CEO of its board.
