Eastern Cape Business 2017 edition
The 2017 edition of Eastern Cape Business is the 10th issue of this highly successful publication that, since its launch in 2006, has established itself as the premier business and investment guide to the Eastern Cape Province. The Eastern Cape enjoys an abundance of natural and human resources, as well as established industrial infrastructure that drives the economy of the province. This includes three ports and two industrial development zones which are home to a wide range of manufacturers and exporters. The 2017 edition includes an in-depth look at the province’s two Industrial Development Zones, a focus on skills development and investment climate information from the Nelson Mandela Business Chamber and the Border-Kei Chamber of Business.
The 2017 edition of Eastern Cape Business is the 10th issue of this highly successful publication that, since its launch in 2006, has established itself as the premier business and investment guide to the Eastern Cape Province. The Eastern Cape enjoys an abundance of natural and human resources, as well as established industrial infrastructure that drives the economy of the province. This includes three ports and two industrial development zones which are home to a wide range of manufacturers and exporters.
The 2017 edition includes an in-depth look at the province’s two Industrial Development Zones, a focus on skills development and investment climate information from the Nelson Mandela Business Chamber and the Border-Kei Chamber of Business.
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Promoting business<br />
in the region<br />
Les Holbrook, Executive Director of the Border-Kei<br />
Chamber of <strong>Business</strong> (BKCOB), highlights the reasons that<br />
investors should look no further than the <strong>Eastern</strong> <strong>Cape</strong>.<br />
INTERVIEW<br />
What are some of the Chamber Highlights for the past year?<br />
The Chamber tackles many and varied projects and focusses primarily<br />
on areas where the focus is on the cost and ease of doing business.<br />
Last year we handed back to Provincial Treasury a pilot project titled<br />
Buy <strong>Eastern</strong> <strong>Cape</strong>. This has been escalated to a priority initiative of the<br />
Provincial Premier. Strategic steps will now be taken to increase the<br />
procurement for enterprises located within the province.<br />
Our lobbying in favour of renewable energy saw the Chamber focus<br />
on “Greening our Office.” After eight months of intense capacity building,<br />
our office in East London is now the only Chamber of Commerce<br />
and Industry in South Africa that qualifies to be listed as Green.<br />
INVEST BUFFALO CITY, our flagship project, signed MOUs with four<br />
stakeholders in our region, committing to initiatives that focus on inward<br />
investment and on retaining existing investment – on the principle<br />
of Invest, Work, Live & Play. An associated project to the IBC project is A<br />
Call-2-Action, an initiative where business partners with the municipality<br />
toward a Clean & Green City, underpinned by waste recycling.<br />
Also of significance was the very first Maritime Summit held in the<br />
Metro – with emphasis on Operation Phakisa and the Blue Economy.<br />
Outcomes included the establishment of a Maritime Cluster, a multistakeholder<br />
forum to promote opportunities in the Blue Economy.<br />
Why should investors consider the <strong>Eastern</strong> <strong>Cape</strong>?<br />
We are equidistant between Gauteng and the Western <strong>Cape</strong>, with good<br />
logistics and competitive costs, offering air, road and sea connectivity, all<br />
reasons for a successful and vibrant East London Industrial Development<br />
Zone. This is supported by the most moderate climate all year round,<br />
a productive coastline, and a lifestyle supported by the 15-minute city.<br />
With the first automotive tertiary training academy and artisan development,<br />
skills in the manufacturing sector are adequately supported.<br />
What is the biggest challenge for regional business?<br />
Leadership stability and good governance. These can only be achieved<br />
through high-level and robust multi-lateral engagement. We are moving<br />
towards this, but more urgency is needed. Our success in the<br />
automotive sector particularly says that we are on the right track.<br />
Les Holbrook<br />
BIOGRAPHY<br />
Les Holbrook has a National<br />
Technical Certificate as well as<br />
a Certificate in Management<br />
from Rhodes University. Prior to<br />
his appointment as the Executive<br />
Director of the Border-Kei<br />
Chamber of <strong>Business</strong>, he was<br />
the Deputy General Manager<br />
of Beier Industries of Transkei<br />
and Executive Director of the<br />
Transkei Chamber of Industries.<br />
21<br />
EASTERN CAPE BUSINESS <strong>2017</strong>
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