After extensive consultation in all provinces, the Department of Trade and Industry (the dti) in South Africa has identified the need for export promotion and development legislation in South Africa.

Therefore, the dti is preparing a White Paper and drafting a Bill on Export Development and Promotion. This is in line with government policies including the National Development Plan (NDP) and the New Growth Path.

The White Paper and proposed Bill on Export Development and Promotion must contribute to improving South Africa’s export culture, export environment and international competitiveness and co-ordinate efforts in driving the export agenda. This should lead to an increase in South Africa’s export volumes and also a diversification of both export markets and products.

This implies that current exporters must be retained, whilst simultaneously developing new exporters. It is critical that the increased exports contribute to economic growth, increased net foreign currency inflows, job creation, improvement in equity and alleviation of poverty.

Views, Opinions and Inputs

The views of all exporters, potential exporters, and anyone, promoting, facilitating or supporting South African exporters, and the development of exporters are important. While it is important to remove all obstacles that prevent growth and diversification of South Africa’s exports, it is also essential to improve drivers that will contribute to achieving these objects. Although the identification of any obstacles or barriers is valuable, comments should also propose realistic solutions. Any recommendations should be sustainable in the long term.

In alignment with the path of export-promoting industrialisation, the political and institutional support for an export agenda would therefore need to be disseminated throughout government, at national and provincial level, and within the private sector, so that relevant departments, agencies, export formations and institutions are focused on a common agenda.

Therefore, your input is required on a number of themes. Comments need not be constrained by themes and you are welcome to submit any other inputs. All proposals will be circumspectly considered.

This call for written comments can either be sent directly to RIA-Exportbill@thedti.gov.za or posted to Luke Govender, Trade and Investment South Africa, Private Bag X84, Pretoria, 0001.

Comments can also be submitted by undertaking this survey

In addition, there is also an opportunity to provide oral evidence in Gauteng on 28 July 2015, Kwazulu-Natal on 23 July 2015 and Western Cape on 21 July 2015.

Additionally, a consolidated workshop will be held in Pretoria for contributions from all provinces.