Gauteng industrialisation plans gain momentum
The IDZ aims to attract investors through a range of incentives, including dedicated customs support services and duty-free importation of production-related raw materials and other inputs.
The Industrial Development Zone (IDZ) was launched at the OR Tambo International Airport on Friday.
The Gauteng MEC for Economic Development, Environment, Agriculture and Rural Development, Lebogang Maile, and the Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry, Mzwandile Masina, were present at the launch.
The IDZ aims to attract investors through a range of incentives, including dedicated customs support services and duty-free importation of production-related raw materials and other inputs. There will also be a reduced tax and exemption for some activities.
The first greenfield project to be constructed within the IDZ is the Jewellery Manufacturing Precinct, a facility catering for diamond cutting, polishing and trading, as well as light manufacturing for jewellery and other high-end products.
MEC Maile said the development should be seen as part of Gauteng’s plans to re-industrialise and chart a new course for its economy by supporting value added, labour intensive and innovative industries, especially agro-processing, pharmaceuticals, electronics and automotive manufacturing which are part of the 11 sectors earmarked for government intervention over the next few years.
“The facility will support industrial development in the area and will give practical expression to our plans to turn Ekurhuleni into an Aerotropolis. It will also offer investors access to clustered infrastructure and its proximity to OR Tambo makes it suitable for export-oriented production,” he said.
An investment of over R260-million has been committed to get the project off the ground.
