Brand South Africa engaging with academics ahead of inaugural Competitiveness Forum

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East London, Friday, 30 August 2013 – Brand South Africa will host its inaugural South African Competitiveness Forum later this year. As part of reaching out to civil society as partners in building South Africa as a competitive, winning nation, Brand South Africa today hosted an interaction with civil society stakeholders in East London.

Representatives of local government, business, civil society and the media interacted with Brand South Africa’s Head of Research, Dr Petrus de Kock, on where the country is currently positioned on global competitiveness indices.

The National Development Plan will play a key role in driving the country’s competitiveness as South Africa develops economically and socially. To achieve this successfully, it is important that all stakeholders grapple with the internal challenges, as well as the external conditions, that impact on the country’s growth. It is with this in mind that Brand South Africa will bring together leaders in government, business and civil society in one key platform.

The Competitiveness Forum will explore the following themes:

  • Education, skills & labour;
  • Products and services;
  • Governance and leadership;
  • Infrastructure; and
  • FDI competitiveness

Stakeholders based in the Eastern Cape shared their expert sector-specific contributions during the interaction. The outcomes of these dialogues will assist Brand South Africa profile relevant issues at the Competitiveness Forum that will add meaningfully to the national dialogue on South Africa’s competitiveness and international profile.

Speaking on conclusion of the stakeholder engagement in East London, Dr de Kock said, “one thing that comes through for me is the importance of provinces and especially infrastructure. If we are talking national competitiveness issues, we really have to understand what the existing base is, provincially. Where do we need to improve, for example, the provincial infrastructure base, that will add on to the bigger picture of national competitiveness?”

Preparations for the SA Competitiveness Forum take into consideration long-term objectives identified in the National Development Plan. In the 21st century rapid changes to technology and global economic circumstances necessitate in-depth consideration of both domestic and international factors that impact on South Africa’s competitiveness and global reputation as a trade partner and investment destination.

Similar consultations, which will be held around the country, are intended to mobilise and encourage stakeholders in all spheres of South African society to be part of the national conversation about the future of the country and the role that they can play.

About Brand South Africa

Brand South Africa is the official marketing agency of South Africa, with a mandate to build the country’s brand reputation, in order to improve its global competitiveness abroad. Its aim is also to build pride and patriotism among South Africans, in order to contribute to social cohesion and nation brand ambassadorship.

For more information or to set up interviews, please contact:

Nadia Samie-Jacobs
Public Relations Domestic
Tel: +27 11 712 5007 Mobile: +27 (0)72 777 9399
Email: nadias@brandsouthafrica.com
Visit: brandsouthafrica.com
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