Eastern Cape Economic Development MEC, Mcebisi Jonas, has announced plans to host the Provincial Energy Summit.
He made the announcement on Thursday during presentation of his policy speech in the Bhisho legislature.
Jonas said renewable energy generation presents the greatest potential for new economic growth.
He says the renewable energy sector promises to clearly demonstrate that economic expansion can take place in a manner respectful of the environment.
Jonas says it is also sector that has the potential to change rural realities, particularly for the women in rural areas who carry the brunt of the combined burden of poverty and climate change.
Jonas stated that "it has long been recognised that our agro-industrial sector has considerable potential, particularly in the context of the emergence of "green jobs". The potential of agricultural value chains in this regard is demonstrated by a new tomato paste factory located in the Coega IDZ, and exporting to China".
"The relentless efforts on industry support, economic infrastructure, economic development, climate change and environmental management were focus areas of the policy speech, and these were mostly achieved through forging partnerships," he added.
On the investment front, Jonas said the following are among present and future investments with positive prospects for economic development and job creation:
-The VW Uitenhage plant investment of R500 million in a new press shop in 2011 which is dramatically improving local content levels.
-The new R1-billion Chinese vehicle assembly plant at Coega expected to create 2 000 jobs when full production is reached.
-Provision of additional rail capacity on the Gauteng corridor by Transnet with a capital cost of R7.9 billion.
-Imvaba Cooperatives Fund R32 million approved for disbursement to 46 co-operatives which has seen approximately 1 255 jobs created.
-R50 million Foodcorp commitment in Molteno to a new plant, converting the old plant into a national distribution centre;
-R2.5 billion Mercedes Benz investment for the production of the next generation C-class, and the East London plant - to double production volumes by 2014.
-Eastern Cape Development Corporation spent R5.5-million towards scoping R3.9bn worth of projects. R2.5 million spent to pilot projects worth R523 million. R3.1-million project implementation investment. About R1-million spent to support exploration (quarrying and granite mining) for R129-million worth of projects.
