THE PALPABLE SEASON OF SHARED GROWTH HAS ARRIVED

Our quest is to grow the provincial economy to achieve balanced and shared economic development. We are convinced of the myriad of opportunities that are just waiting to be tapped, both globally and regionally, for the growth and development of our province KwaZulu-Natal. Now is the palpable season for shared growth. We are moving beyond the recessionary edifice into this new palpable season of shared growth, where growth is pulsating.

We feel that at this moment, more than at any other time, we are well positioned as a province to take advantage of opportunities, some created by ourselves and others resulting from the global economic developments, to grow our economy and ensure its global competitiveness.

How we exploit these opportunities will determine whether we build the economy that is a practical expression of our huge potential or we become a mediocre economy, happy to do enough just to get by.We say this because we understand that, particularly in our case as developing state, nothing would be more expensive than missing this opportunity for economic growth and development.

The role of growing the economy to achieve this does not only lie in the hands of government. Increased private sector investment in our local economy is vital to create sustainable jobs and improve the livelihoods of our people. Investment contributes to infrastructure development, technology transfers, skills and other capital development, employment creation and economic growth.

As government we reaffirm our commitment to improving the investment climate in the province. Such a conducive environment includes a well established and extended physical infrastructure but also refers to a stable political environment, a strong growing economy, transparent policies, available and appropriately skilled personnel and cost effective services, comparable tax rates and issues of profit repatriation. The government will also continue to foster Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) in areas such as infrastructure development, export development, skills development and education.

It is imperative that government, the private sector and all our stakeholders continue to work together for a better KwaZulu-Natal provincial economy.

Mr Michael Mabuyakhulu
MEC for Economic Development and Tourism