Western Cape Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism Minister, Dr Ivan Meyer, has launched the Western Cape Export Strategy 2035, positioning expanded market access as a key driver of economic growth, investment and job creation.
Speaking at the launch on Tuesday, 14 July, Meyer said the strategy provides a practical roadmap for implementing the Western Cape Government’s Growth for Jobs Strategy, which aims to build R1 trillion, and inclusive annual economic growth of between 4% and 6%.
“Growth for Jobs is our vision. The Export Strategy is our roadmap. Market access is the bridge that connects Western Cape businesses to global opportunity, investment and jobs,” Meyer said.
Additionally, he said the strategy recognises that the domestic market alone cannot deliver the level of economic growth required to create sustainable employment opportunities.
According to Meyer, expanding exports will enable Western Cape businesses to access new markets, improve competitiveness, drive innovation and strengthen resilience in an increasingly competitive global economy.
“The strategy seeks to expand these successes by supporting more businesses to enter export markets and helping existing exporters grow their international footprint. By 2035, the Western Cape aims to significantly increase the value of exports, grow the number of active exporters by 1 000, unlock at least 10 new export product opportunities and accelerate broader economic growth through export-led expansion,” Meyer said.
Meyer added that market access remains the central priority of the strategy.
“Market access is about opportunity. It is about ensuring that a Western Cape farmer, entrepreneur, manufacturer or service provider can successfully connect with customers around the world. When businesses gain market access, they gain the opportunity to grow. And when businesses grow, jobs follow.”
The strategy focuses on improving access for international markets, strengthening compliance with global standards, leveraging trade agreements, enhancing logistics and export infrastructure, and advocating for the removal of trade barriers.
Meyer also stressed the importance of collaboration between government, business and industry stakeholders.
“Government does not export; businesses export, businesses invest, businesses innovate, and businesses create jobs. Our role is to create the conditions that enable exporters to succeed,” he said.
Meyer thanked Wesgro [official Tourism, Trade and Investment Promotion Agency], provincial departments, municipalities, export councils, industry associations and exporters for contributing to the development of the strategy, and continued role in growing the provincial economy.
He said the success of the strategy will ultimately be measured by tangible outcomes rather than the publication of the document itself.
“Our success will be measured by new markets opened, new exporters supported, new investment secured and new jobs created. The Western Cape Export Strategy 2035 is a commitment to action and a commitment to building a more competitive, resilient and inclusive economy,” Meyer said.
