South Africa: Wesgro hosted Business Outlook Event on Wednesday, October 30, 2024 and represented the role of Transport and Logistics in the economic growth of South Africa. The Catalysts launched were presented at front and centre.
Reportedly, the event was held at the Nasdak, in the Media24 building in Cape Town. It was based on the theme ‘Logistics for Growth and the Future’.
Furthermore, the event highlighted the need for collaboration across the logistics value chain, enhancement of rail and port infrastructure and aligned public and private sector efforts to spur the economic growth.
In partnership with the Southern African Association of Freight Forwarders, Wesgro also launched the Business Outlook on Logistics in the Western Cape, with a comprehensive publication that outlines the growth opportunities within the logistics sector of the province.
Western Cape Premier – Alan Winde gave the opening remarks and emphasised the ‘urgency of now’ for a coordinated strategy, especially to strengthen the logistics sector and drive export-led growth.
Provincial Minister of Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism – Dr. Ivan Meyer noted the critical role of logistics in creating jobs and achieving the province’s Growth for Jobs Strategy target of 4-6% economic growth by the year 2035.
Member of the Mayoral Committee for Economic Growth of Cape Town – Alderman James Vos explained the importance of private sector participation for the competitiveness of the city.
Michelle Phillips, CEO of the state-owned ports and railway operator Transnet, expressed via video the company’s commitment to collaborate with private partners in building a more efficient logistics system.
Considering the same, CEO of Wesgro – Wrenelle Stander led the two insightful panel discussions during the event. The first panel discussion was focused on the role of public-private partnerships in logistics infrastructure, that featured the industry leaders.
Whereas, the second panel addressed unlocking the potential of the Port of Cape Town, with the contribution of various speakers’ opinions.
The event was concluded with the remarks from the Chairperson of Exporters Western Cape – Terry Gale, who reinforced the theme of collaboration to stregthen the logistics sector and broader economy.