SACCI COMMENTS ON NEW GOVERNMENT

SACCI welcomes the new Ministerial appointments and the creation of a Small Business Ministry but remains concerned about the interventionist tone of recent official statements. The cabinet shows a commitment to the priorities in the President's inauguration speech of yesterday, these being accelerated infrastructure investment; radical economic transformation and jobs growth.

SACCI will be an active partner toward an improved economic and investment environment but remains of the view that this must be predicated on lower levels of state interventionism.

Minister Gordhan's appointment to COGTA is an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the local government sphere, especially in addressing service delivery and local economic development. The National Treasury is also in the hands of a skilled and experienced leader in Minister Nene. SACCI anticipates a strong partnership with the Ministry as was experienced under Minister Gordhan.

We welcome the SME Ministry which was high on SACCI's wish list. SACCI has, and will continue to engage towards an SME Department that serves the development interests of SMEs and the economy. This would be include simplifying the SME regulatory environment, reviewing and expanding incentives for SMEs, championing the cause of SMEs with other government department and the Presidency vis-à-vis policy development.

SACCI looks forward to building on its existing relationships with government in the approaching term and will continue to constructively engage on issues impacting the business environment UNQUOTE

Statement issued by CEO of SACCI, Mr. Neren Rau, May 26 2014

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