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South Africa's Trade Policy and Strategy Framework (TPSF)
 Dr Rob Davies, Minister of Trade and Industry on 23 August 2013 presented to the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Trade and Industry on South Africa's Trade Policy and Strategy Framework (TPSF). The Minister told the Committee that South Africa has a relatively high ratio of merchandise trade to GDP, ranging between 50% and 60%, and it is a relatively open economy, only "moderately" protected by tariffs. On the new trade narrative and global value-chains (GVCs), the Committee was told that South Africa has a growing debate on trade policy implications of GVCs as the observation has been made that 60% of world trade is in intermediate products, and countries should aspire to participate in GVCs. Click to peruse the presentation» |
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Forum for increased job creation in agriculture
Job creation in Agriculture will be under the spotlight during the annual Agri Mega Week at Bredasdorp.
The Agri Mega Week, themed "Agriculture for job Creation", is taking place from 18 to 21 September 2013 at Bredasdorp. This is one of many platforms that the Agri Mega Group facilitates annually to address unemployment, job opportunities and working conditions.
Independent economist Roelof Botha will do the introduction and Dr John Purchase of Agbiz will facilitate a debate about job creation in agriculture. Panelists include Louw Steytler (Grain SA), Nosey Pieterse (BAWSI), Dr Tobias Dreyer (Agbiz), Hans van der Merwe (Agri SA), Tobele Lamathe (Dept of Labour) and Kathishi Masemola (FAWU). The realisation of NDP goals regarding labour in Agriculture will be debated.
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Senwes forms partnership with large listed role player
 Senwes, Senwesbel and Grindrod entered into an agreement in terms of which Grindrod acquired equity in Senwes. This agreement is aligned with the growth strategy of Senwes and the diversification of Senwes's geographic and commodity risks. Grindrod, a listed company, provides freight transport, trading, shipping and financial services, which brings about operating and marketing synergies locally and internationally. In pursuing the strategy of becoming a fully integrated freight and logistics service provider, Grindrod invests in assets and opportunities across the four operating divisions, with specific focus on dry bulk and bulk liquid commodities, containerised cargo and vehicles. Grindrod is now a 20% shareholder in Senwes. Read full media release» |
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FEWS NET August 2013 Price Watch and Annex
Drought in parts of southern Africa has reduced maize production and contributed to very high prices, resulting in pockets of acute food insecurity in Zimbabwe and Malawi. This year, maize harvests in South Africa - the region's top surplus-producing country - are 5 percent lower than the five-year average and estimated maize export supplies are 32 percent lower than the five-year average.
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E-BUSA Bulletin for August/September 2013
In this E-BUSA Bulletin:
- BUSA held a very successful AGM.
- BUSA hosted its first Women on Board Training Programme.
- BUSA urges carbon tax be delay.
- SA slips on global competitiveness.
- BUSA submissions on the proposed bills; the Expropriation bill, Restitution of Land rights and Property Bills valuation.
- First BRICS Business Council meeting held in August.
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Apply now for the Agribusiness Centenary Bursary
 Agbiz is making an annual bursary of R25 000 available to a South African student registered for a Masters or PhD degree in either agricultural economics or agribusiness management, at any recognised South African university. Closing date for applications: 10 December 2013. More information»
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