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The Eastern Cape department of economic Development and environmental affairs and the Coega development corporation are hosting the first ever Eastern Cape Ports and Maritime conference in Nelson Mandela Bay.
Speaking at the conference on Wednesday morning, Executive Mayor Benson Fihla said the Maritime industry can play a positive role in reducing high unemployment in the Eastern Cape.
"With the commitment of Ports and stakeholders towards the development and growth of the ports and marine sector, the industry will without a doubt contribute to the economy, job creation and poverty alleviation not only in NElson Mandela Bay and the Eastern Cape but also the country at large," Fihla said.
Department of Economic Affairs, MEC, Mcebisi Jonas says there is a skills demand in the industry and the development of skills in this sector is critical.
"There is a skills demand for 250 000 seafarers globally yet the country has only 1000 and trains less than 200 interns a year. We are clearly not taking advantage of our strategic location withing the global maritime sector. This I think is what we are attempting to change, and it has to change" he said.
