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Doing Business in Cape Town Summit SpeechDoing Business in Cape Town Summit Speech<img alt="" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/PublishingImages/Former%20Mayors%20Header.jpg" style="BORDER:0px solid;" /><p>​SPEECH BY THE MAYORAL COMMITTEE MEMBER FOR ECONOMIC GROWTH, ALDERMAN JAMES VOS</p><p>This is an excerpt from a speech delivered on Thursday, 16 October 2024, by the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth, Alderman James Vos at the Doing Business in Cape Town Summit.</p><h4>Shaping the Future of Trade and Industry:</h4><p>Welcome to the Doing Business in Cape Town Summit. Today is an important milestone for our city, as it’s the first time we’re hosting an event of this scale. </p><p>For a long time, I’ve dreamt of a platform like this, where business, government, and industry leaders come together to shape the future of economic growth in Cape Town.</p><p>We’ve taken a holistic view of Cape Town’s economy, ensuring that no sector or region is left behind. Our goal is to boost local manufacturing, invest in our workforce, and create jobs. This summit is not just about talk, it’s about action and outcomes, ensuring we do more together.</p><p>Let me tell you about the big plans we’re rolling out to keep Cape Town growing strong. This City is committed to laying the groundwork for Cape Town’s future success. </p><p>In this financial year alone, we are investing a historic R76 billion in service delivery, with major focus areas on water, energy, mobility, and safety. This is the largest budget we’ve ever passed, forming part of an ambitious R120 billion capital works programme over the next decade. It’s bold because it has to be. </p><p>We’re doing this to create fertile ground for new investments, attract businesses to set up here, and see construction cranes rising from corner to corner of our city. This is how we’re building the Cape Town of tomorrow.</p><h4>Visa Reforms, Port Improvements, and Open Skies Advocacy:</h4><p>We're also pushing hard on several fronts at a national level to create the conditions we need to succeed locally. <br>For example, we have long advocated for visa reforms, which are essential to making Cape Town more accessible to international tourists, business travellers, and investors. </p><p>Simplifying visa processes isn’t just about convenience; it’s about opening the floodgates for opportunities in our tourism, trade, and business sectors.</p><p>In the same way, through my department, we’re making practical submissions to Transnet on how we can bring the private sector into the logistics value chain at our port. </p><p>The goal is to unlock efficiencies, improve the flow of imports and exports, and ensure that Cape Town remains a key trading hub. </p><p>This is critical for industries like agriculture, manufacturing, and boat building, all of which depend on a smooth and efficient harbour system.</p><p>I’m also advocating for an Open Skies Agreement. For those unfamiliar with the term, this agreement would allow airlines more freedom to choose routes and flight frequencies, making air travel more competitive. </p><p>We must not protect routes solely for national carriers, but rather foster competition that benefits the economy. </p><p>More flights mean more tourists, more business opportunities, and more direct investments. </p><p>I believe there’s nothing like a good old-fashioned lobbying effort to push for an open skies agreement that will benefit our aviation sector and the country as a whole.</p><h4>Boosting Tourism – Five-Point Programme of Action:</h4><p>Tourism remains a cornerstone of our economy. That’s why I’ve rolled out a five-point programme of action in partnership with Cape Town Tourism, which includes increasing flight connectivity, welcoming more cruise liners, hosting more conferences, developing community-based tourism experiences, and implementing conversion-driven campaigns.</p><p>By bringing more visitors to our city, we are directly creating jobs and economic opportunities at a local level. I would love to see a tourism-related job in every household. </p><h4>Landing More Flights – Boosting Connectivity:</h4><p>Our efforts to increase flight connectivity are paying off. During the upcoming peak season, we will see 226 international flights land at Cape Town International Airport each week, connecting our city to 31 destinations around the world. </p><p>Last year, we processed a record number of passengers, just under 11 million. </p><p>I’m especially excited about Acsa’s plans to build a new runway and terminals, which will further boost our ability to attract tourists, businesses, and investment.</p><h4>Property Transactions and Land Auctions:</h4><p>We’re also making big strides by releasing City-owned land for private-sector development through auctions. Whether for residential or commercial use, this is key to encouraging development across Cape Town. </p><p>I believe no government should be a land bank. Our auctions have already been very successful, and we’ll continue using this strategy to release land to create new opportunities for growth.</p><h4>Ease of Doing Business – Real Progress:</h4><p>Our Ease of Doing Business Index has been a game-changer for improving the business environment. </p><p>This is not just about cutting red tape for big companies, but also making life easier for informal traders and small businesses. </p><p>We’ve simplified the permit application process and sped up approvals for business licences, building plans and land transfers. </p><p>The first panel today will unpack this index and how it’s helping businesses thrive.</p><h4>Supporting SMMEs:</h4><p>Small and medium enterprises (SMMEs) are the backbone of Cape Town’s economy. Through our Business Hub, we’ve supported over 4,000 SMMEs with platforms focused on smart procurement and supplier development during last year alone. </p><p>Knowing the importance of micro-businesses, we’ve launched a capital programme of over R100 million to build new trading spaces across the city such as markets and mobile business spots, improving conditions and opportunities for traders in communities.</p><p>For any business queries, our dedicated Business Hub team is ready to help. You can email us at <a href="mailto:business.support@capetown.gov.za">business.support@capetown.gov.za</a> or visit the <a href="https://www.investcapetown.com/">Invest Cape Town website</a>.</p><h4>Business Retention and Expansion Programme:</h4><p>Our Business Retention and Expansion Programme plays a vital role in supporting businesses across Cape Town’s 27 industrial areas. We provide investment facilitation services that make it easier to operate and expand here. </p><p>Soon, we’ll launch a public participation process for a new investment incentives policy, with a focus on manufacturing.</p><h4>SPV Funding and Key Achievements:</h4><p>Our Special Purpose Vehicles are critical to our success. They drive job creation and industry growth. </p><p>The Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) sector, for instance, is on track to employ 100,000 people. </p><p>Cape Town’s clothing and textile industry produced over 100 million garments in 2023.</p><p>And we’re exporting a catamaran boat for every work day of the year.</p><p>We also fund the Cape Trade Portal administered by Wesgro, which helps Cape-based businesses export their goods and services. Just another way we’re making it easier to do business. You can visit CapeTradePortal.com to see how it works.</p><p>I’ve personally visited many of these factories and call centres because I believe in seeing progress first-hand. I’m passionate about supporting our people, our places, and our products. </p><p>These visits remind me why we work so hard, to ensure that every Capetonian benefits from the city’s growth.</p><p>We’ve put together a panel that will speak more about the initiatives that provide for a well-functioning ecosystem and how businesses can benefit. I’m looking forward to hearing from them as we explore partnerships across sectors and industries. </p><p>One of the most exciting elements of Cape Town’s economic ecosystem is our partnership with Special Purpose Vehicles, or SPVs, which we fund to supercharge various sectors of the economy. </p><p>These dynamic entities, such as Wesgro, GreenCape, UVU Africa (the Cape IT Initiative), the Cape Clothing and Textile Cluster, Greater Tygerberg Partnership, Blue Cape, CapeBPO and the Craft and Design Institute, serve as catalysts for innovation, investment, and job creation. </p><p>Over the past two years, these SPVs have collectively attracted a staggering R13 billion in new investments, driving growth in key industries like green energy and business services, while also contributing to the creation of 32,000 jobs. </p><p>We fund them because they bring expertise and industry-specific insights, helping businesses grow while attracting new opportunities to our shores. By leveraging their specialised focus, we amplify our efforts in ways that benefit everyone, from start-ups to major investors. </p><h4>Jobs Connect and Workforce Readiness:</h4><p>I’m particularly passionate about job readiness, which is why we created Jobs Connect. This platform has registered more than 100,000 Capetonians for work placements and educational opportunities. </p><p>We’re matching job seekers with employers and ensuring people have access to the training they need to succeed.</p><h4>Green Tech and the Atlantis Special Economic Zone:</h4><p>On the green economy front, I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished in the Atlantis Special Economic Zone. The City facilitated the land transfers that made new factories possible there. It’s a prime example of how green tech and sustainable development can drive growth, and we’re excited to see the positive impact it’s already having.</p><h4>Conclusion - Double-Digit Economic Growth:</h4><p>Today’s summit is about action. </p><p>Cape Town’s economic future is being shaped right here in this room and by those joining online, the people who make things happen.</p><p>We’ve laid the groundwork, and now it’s time to accelerate our efforts.</p><p>Whether you’re a business leader, investor, or part of the media, I urge you to engage fully in today’s sessions. Let’s focus on what we can achieve together. </p><p>Cape Town is on the move, and with your partnership, we’ll exceed our goals, and keep on making that unemployment queue shorter. </p><p>For me, this mission of economic growth is personal. From street vendors to entrepreneurs and industry leaders, we want to see every part of Cape Town’s economy thrive. </p><p>My vision is to see that we achieve double-digit economic growth in Cape Town's key sectors and industries, and I believe we will get there through real public-private partnerships.</p><p>Thank you once again to my team and everyone involved, especially our speakers and panellists, for making this summit a reality. Together, we will drive Cape Town forward.</p><p><br><strong>End</strong></p>2024-10-17T22:00:00ZGP0|#1d539e44-7c8c-4646-887d-386dc1d95d70;L0|#01d539e44-7c8c-4646-887d-386dc1d95d70|City news;GTSet|#62efe227-07aa-45e7-944c-ceebacca891dGP0|#7eef497d-25f7-422e-98b1-aa9bc9de6515;L0|#07eef497d-25f7-422e-98b1-aa9bc9de6515|Business;GTSet|#2e3de6c1-9951-4747-8f53-470629a399bb;GP0|#5cef3550-8a32-4ff2-8bc5-7fd3bc2ba149;L0|#05cef3550-8a32-4ff2-8bc5-7fd3bc2ba149|Economic growth;GTSet|#2e3de6c1-9951-4747-8f53-470629a399bb10

 

 

Cape Town’s Integrated Development Plan (IDP) 2017 - 2022​​​​​​​Cape Town’s Integrated Development Plan (IDP) 2017 - 2022​​​​​​​An overview of the City’s Integrated Development Plan (IDP).<img alt="" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/PublishingImages/Integrated-Development-Plan-Header.jpg" style="BORDER:0px solid;" />GP0|#ff1f5b5a-f062-4989-b7f8-b57ada05f70a;L0|#0ff1f5b5a-f062-4989-b7f8-b57ada05f70a|The City’s IDP 2017-2022;GTSet|#ef3a64a2-d764-44bc-9d69-3a63d3fadea1;GPP|#58f302a7-f7df-4ca8-a4cc-c321f4c57e0d;GPP|#2ad5ede6-473c-4550-a932-aabda12143b1;GPP|#245ec7aa-a528-4cd3-bcac-597c292db711;GP0|#1ad9a657-d09a-49fe-9c0a-c948b3a5e5ad;L0|#01ad9a657-d09a-49fe-9c0a-c948b3a5e5ad|The City's IDP 2017-2022;GPP|#0fa98455-3bf7-4738-b07c-8db7b211a6df;GPP|#d3f3e0bd-5b83-4c1f-845c-7e13f8f4e17d;GPP|#af370586-9ba3-404a-9d6e-02066ca42752;GP0|#57be5e69-9793-4ad1-9850-2ff8186556b6;L0|#057be5e69-9793-4ad1-9850-2ff8186556b6|The City’s IDP 2017-2022;GPP|#47b2d3de-463f-44d1-a1f7-1c0ae7779b1d;GPP|#fdaaa5aa-bac4-497d-b6ea-347f228ec59d;GPP|#e88ff549-973f-4e3c-a46c-cfbe61bd6a24;GP0|#4ce9eb03-5745-4cdc-8697-248215f2e57a;L0|#04ce9eb03-5745-4cdc-8697-248215f2e57a|The City’s IDP 2017-2022;GPP|#4d609f4b-5ef8-4d26-a00e-98d854d00a11;GPP|#117084d9-e07b-4e3c-a6aa-d2badf907d64;GP0|#bd46fc95-91e2-4109-ac19-25adcb77c70f;L0|#0bd46fc95-91e2-4109-ac19-25adcb77c70f|The City’s IDP 2017-2022;GPP|#df990a42-3326-459e-96a2-55728312bc61;GPP|#8e28a3fa-1ff1-4fbd-ada3-4befc9119617;GP0|#019c0637-c26d-4db9-9127-6d5abed0949b;L0|#0019c0637-c26d-4db9-9127-6d5abed0949b|The City’s IDP 2017-2022;GPP|#680cbe13-3334-40b6-9ef6-8f126e3a71b2;GPP|#d01efebf-2396-4714-ace2-b0ada5ba6962
Heritage information and resourcesHeritage information and resourcesOur well-maintained heritage database and preserved heritage records are available to the public in a number of ways.<img alt="" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/PublishingImages/Heritage%20Information%20Resources%2c%20Maps%20And%20Displays%20Header.jpg" style="BORDER:0px solid;" />GP0|#f9a1afbf-0c3e-41ba-ae20-94f6f15a9403;L0|#0f9a1afbf-0c3e-41ba-ae20-94f6f15a9403|Heritage information and resources;GTSet|#ef3a64a2-d764-44bc-9d69-3a63d3fadea1;GPP|#b0285696-285a-478d-9edd-44cbd43c6cc1;GPP|#b9188e62-cf1a-433d-a10c-06e34a7d1593;GPP|#c529c1ac-1f8d-48ae-8079-d34f4dae9c57;GP0|#86dd7391-47ad-4a12-8a14-a3f7819efed6;L0|#086dd7391-47ad-4a12-8a14-a3f7819efed6|Heritage information and resources;GPP|#c33557cc-ff47-42c3-a36e-c87bd87776e6;GPP|#b61ba3b6-e2ed-4500-bee7-e523686ba8bf;GPP|#af370586-9ba3-404a-9d6e-02066ca42752
Walking heritage tours of the cityWalking heritage tours of the cityTips and resources for you to walk and explore our beautiful city and its unique natural and cultural heritage.<img alt="" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/PublishingImages/Walking%20Heritage%20Tours%20Of%20The%20City%20Header.jpg" style="BORDER:0px solid;" />GP0|#4a4256ce-c7cc-46e5-ab7b-70b8165e866a;L0|#04a4256ce-c7cc-46e5-ab7b-70b8165e866a|Walking heritage tours of the city;GTSet|#ef3a64a2-d764-44bc-9d69-3a63d3fadea1;GPP|#18e3b27f-e26a-409d-a7d2-460e88db0868;GPP|#b9188e62-cf1a-433d-a10c-06e34a7d1593;GPP|#c529c1ac-1f8d-48ae-8079-d34f4dae9c57;GP0|#bd035180-fb82-4722-9bbe-5edccbcf30b1;L0|#0bd035180-fb82-4722-9bbe-5edccbcf30b1|Walking heritage tours of the city;GPP|#b2147315-03b2-467a-9465-7fa1f64011be;GPP|#b61ba3b6-e2ed-4500-bee7-e523686ba8bf;GPP|#af370586-9ba3-404a-9d6e-02066ca42752
Keep our public places clean Keep our public places clean The City provides a number of public cleaning services that you can contact to help keep our public places clean.<img alt="" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/PublishingImages/Keep%20our%20public%20places%20clean%20Header.jpg" style="BORDER:0px solid;" />GP0|#aa2e8ab1-9bfe-47e1-9f46-ad40744a8a10;L0|#0aa2e8ab1-9bfe-47e1-9f46-ad40744a8a10|Keep our public places clean;GTSet|#ef3a64a2-d764-44bc-9d69-3a63d3fadea1;GPP|#69af3a35-ae90-45eb-8557-9dcd3cb9880b;GPP|#36dcb5fe-6bfc-4ae9-92d7-8bd08d1f6414;GPP|#af370586-9ba3-404a-9d6e-02066ca42752;GP0|#2df1aee9-5456-437c-98fd-f962fe5ac954;L0|#02df1aee9-5456-437c-98fd-f962fe5ac954|Keep our public places clean;GPP|#298f5623-1943-427a-bf3d-e9ccff072bec;GPP|#4a553a67-2cba-4911-9745-a724e38b645a

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