KwaZulu-Natal is home to South Africa’s second largest economy. Trade & Investment KwaZulu-Natal (TIKZN) is geared to promote the Province’s competitive advantages as a world-class business investment destination and to encourage trade by assisting local companies to identify new markets for the export of their products. One of the TIKZN’s strengths in promoting the province of KwaZulu-Natal is in the packaging and marketing of investment opportunities.

TIKZN has identified a range of potential investment opportunities for investors in different sectors who can then make an informed decision of the suitability of the project according to their interest level. KwaZulu-Natal is the only South African province to provide project brokering and goes all out to link clients and investors. If you invest in KwaZulu-Natal you will not be disappointed. The Province has active and successful businesses and a very proactive provincial government that provides visible support to investors.

PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT

TIKZN has packaged a number of property developments, which are in various stages of implementation from the conducting of feasibility studies, to development of business plans, environmental impact studies, designs, approval and construction. These include, amongst many others:

KING ZWELITHINI ROYAL RESORT

This is a three phased development. Hotel, casino and golf facilities will be developed as the 1st phase, 2nd phase further accommodation facilities and the waterpark being the 3rd phase. The resort destination will be developed around Lake Sibaya in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, which is the largest fresh water lake in South Africa on 500 hectares of prime coastal property.

Zulu culture and history will be incorporated into the design of all the facilities, including an airport, casino, wedding and conference facilities, shops and offices, a health spa and gym, plus an 18-hole golf course, amongst other leisure options. The Zulu monarch is a subject of intrigue for many tourists and the development of the King Zwelithini Royal Resort will add to the allure of the uMkhanyakude’s Route 22 offerings

JOHN MASON PARK

John Mason Park in Umtentweni on the KwaZulu-Natal South coast is 7, 89 hectares in size with over one kilometre of sea frontage. The concept includes residential units, a three hall 1000 seater conference facility, A-level offices, 100 room hotel, amphitheatre, waterpark, skate park, public auditorium and restaurant facilities.

UMGABABA HOLIDAY RESORT

uMgababa Holiday Resort was built in 1969 on the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast. Initially and during the apartheid era, the resort was created as a beach resort for non-white persons. The resort is on the rise again and future investment of more than R 50 million from public and private sector was envisaged to be allocated to the revival of uMgababa.

MANUFACTURING

The province is strong in manufacturing and works closely with the automotive industry. There is a strong need to develop the supply chain both in original equipment manufacturers (OEM) and after-sale markets, locally and internationally.

The South African aluminium industry is one of the industrial pillars of the South African economy. There is also much need to promote the beneficiation of metals including aluminum and steel. Consequently, the manufacture of a number of aluminum products have been packaged for investors. Raw material for production is readily available from the smelter in Richards Bay. These include the manufacture of:

ALUMINIUM ALLOY WHEELS

Negotiations have already begun for the export of product to
the United Kingdom (Wolfrace and Dymang) and for the local
supply of Ford, Toyota and Hyundai. The technology required
within the plant is aluminium alloy die casting and is readily
available. The environmental risk is low, as the hot metal would be
transported on the ‘Hot Metal Road’.

ALUMINIUM BEVERAGE CANS

The strategy to grow the aluminium beverage can industry, is to invest in business partnerships with companies in other countries and combine local market knowledge with international experience to create a competitive force in the local markets and also supply world-class packaging for exports out of South Africa.

ALUMINIUM PISTONS

A concept study carried out by TIKZN highlighted the growing market demand for piston manufacturing. South Africa has the raw material and the foundry capability available to locally manufacture pistons.

TIKZN SUPPORT PROGRAMMES FOR EXPORTERS

The Export Development and Promotion Unit (EDPU) of TIKZN, provides assistance to exporters and facilitation of market access for KwaZulu-Natal exporters. Their operational activities include the facilitation of trade missions, planning for exhibitions, implementation of training programmes and responding to various enquiries.

When focusing on the export development side, TIKZN has tailor-made support for emerging, existing and established exporters whom are keen on sharpening their capabilities in exporting. Both group and one-on-one support is available with international best practices being sourced so exporters are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity as well. For the more seasoned exporters, TIKZN has collaborated with Netherlands through the PUM programme. PUM Netherlands is a global mentorship programme that brings well experienced retired business leaders to South Africa to mentor exporters to grow their markets. TIKZN assists with the selection, recruitment of exporters as well as the facilitation of the application for this programme.

On the export promotion side, TIKZN facilitates market access in various countries by assisting exporters to participate in exhibitions and trade mission as well as to engage with inward delegations. Moving forward, TIKZN has a very exciting calendar of events lined up for the rest of the year which includes trade events into Southern African Development Community (SADC) and other African countries like Tanzania,
Zambia, Zimbabwe, Seychelles, Madagascar and Mauritius. There are also trade events that investigate our traditional markets like the USA, UK and China to name a few. For more information on these and other opportunities you are encouraged to visit the KZN Export Information Portal on www.exportkzn.co.za.

Through the use of technology and new tools, like the KZN Export Information Portal and the Decision Support Model (DSM) TIKZN is are able to provide a more value added service to the export community. The purpose of the model is to scientifically assist in identifying probable markets for exporters. Using a number of intricate databases with appropriate filtering mechanisms, the model can give an indication of the likelihood of opportunities available in markets across the globe for specific products.

EXPORT WEEK

Export Week is an annual programme and 2017 will mark the 6th year of this event. This event was developed to recognise, promote and assist with growing KwaZuluâ€"Natal’s export businesses and industries. Through a comprehensive programme of activities, it provides professional development and information on growth sectors and market opportunities to KwaZulu-Natal's new and existing exporters and internationally focussed businesses.

One of the highlights of Export Week is the KZN Exporter of the Year Awards Banquet, which showcases emerging and established exporters in a wide range of goods and services. The awards are facilitated by the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry and supported by other strategic partners such as the Ethekwini Maritime Cluster (EMC), Small Enterprise Development Agency (SEDA) and the Export Credit Insurance Corporation (ECIC).