Dr Rob Davies
Minister for Trade and Industry Republic of South Africa
South Africa is rich in raw materials, which the BRICS clan can utilize.
In an exclusive interview with Fibre2Fashion Correspondent Cindrella Thawani, Rob Davies, opines about the sustainable decent employment and stabilization of employment in the last three years. Adding this, he cites, most Chinese investments are focused on trading, which is a big challenge for the country.
Synopsis:
Rob Davies serves as the Minister of Trade and Industry of the Republic of South Africa, since 11 May 2009.
He has completed Masters degree in International Relations from the University of Southampton, UK and Doctorate degree from the University of Sussex in Political Studies.
Besides, he is Member of Parliament since 1994. He has joined both the African National Congress and South African Communist Party while in exile in Mozambique from 1979– 1990.
Moreover, he has also worked as Professor and Co-Director of Centre for Southern African Studies at University of the Western Cape 1990-1994.
Excerpts:
South Africa is emerging as a global growth engine. What is your outlook on the global investment penetration in South Africa’s textile industry?
South Africa has been working very hard to promote itself and global investment destination but due to the poor state of sector in the last few years, significant investment has not been forth coming. With the recent turnaround in last three years, country has been experiencing new interest from foreign investors in the sector.
How is the job creation scene with South Africa’s textile industry segment? Please enlighten.
South Africa has experienced a rapid loss of jobs up until 2009 when government’s new strategy in the sector was introduced. This has seen the stabilization of employment in the last three years and new sustainable decent employment is now being created especially in those companies, which are working closely in partnership with government in implementation of developed strategies.
South Africa’s size for economy, population is relatively small. In presence of other emerging countries, how do you think that South Africa has such potential to stand firm in this BRIC clan?
South Africa is rich in raw materials, which the BRICS clan can utilize. These include mohair, merino wool, cotton, leather, cashmere etc. South Africa is one of the biggest producers of mohair in the world and most of the fibre is exported in semi raw form, globally. Besides, same is true of the very fine merino wool, which is also currently exported in tow form.
High quality cotton being grown in the country that has the potential to be increased with expected increase in demand from other BRIC countries.
South Africa has joined BRIC club. How is this beneficial for its textile industry?
South Africa will benefit in the field of skill development. And, other BRICS countries have facilities for the textiles training up to tertiary education levels. They have universities, which have dedicated textiles departments and countries like India and China are global leaders in these disciplines.
African textile market has caught the attention of Chinese investors. How do you see its influence in South Africa?
Most Chinese investments are focused on trading rather than manufacturing, which is a big challenge for the country. Of late, there have been more inquiries in the investments into manufacturing especially in home textiles.
Moreover, which are those factors that are attracting Chinese investors? And, what are those motivating features of South Africa's textile industry, which can pull attention of global investors?
Most investors are now attracted by the South African position as the gateway into the African Continent and it makes more sense to manufacturer close to the vast market available, which currently is not fully serviced effectively.
How South Africa as a bloc in BRICS can be rewarding globally for exporting and importing countries?
South Africa can be used as a gateway into the broad African continent.
How much Gross Domestic Product (GDP) South Africa’s textile industry is contributing to its country’s economy?
Textile industry contributes approximately 2.8 percent of the country’s GDP.
Published on: 08/12/2012
DISCLAIMER: All views and opinions expressed in this column are solely of the interviewee, and they do not reflect in any way the opinion of Fibre2Fashion.com.
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