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The tariffs imposed on South Africa by US President Donald Trump were the topic of a meeting between the Eastern Cape Premier, Oscar Mabuyane, and the Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber on Monday.
In a joint statement, they said they had agreed to fast-track interventions to ensure that Nelson Mandela Bay metro remains an attractive and competitive investment destination.
“The impact of these tariffs could severely affect Eastern Cape exports, particularly in the automotive and citrus sectors,” the statement said.
The discussions also highlighted the importance of diversifying trade partnerships and strengthening relationships with the European Union and Southeast Asia.
The meeting was also attended by the leadership of the NMB Business Chamber, led by acting president Kevin Naidoo and Martina Biene, chairperson of the Chamber’s CEOs Forum.
The Premier was accompanied by Nonkqubela Pieters, the MEC for Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism, and Babalwa Lobishe, the executive mayor of Nelson Mandela Bay.
"We cannot afford to be complacent amid growing economic pressures. Our strength lies in our collective action.
“This partnership between government and business is critical in unlocking economic opportunities, tackling local challenges, and ensuring our province remains globally competitive,” said Mabuyane in welcoming the outcome of the meeting.
Chamber CEO Denise van Huyssteen said organised business was fully committed to working with government and other stakeholders to retain and attract investment and employment in Nelson Mandela Bay.
“The Chamber looks forward to partnering with the province to help resurge the Bay and unlock the potential of the Bay of Opportunity as a two-port city, anchored by a strong manufacturing base.
“Furthermore, the recently announced tariffs by the US on South Africa and other countries has wide-reaching implications for our local manufacturing eco-system, which is embedded into global manufacturing footprints.
“Speed, agility and innovation are required from all of us to ensure that we can take joint mitigating actions to retain our local manufacturing base,” Van Huyssteen said.
Meanwhile, the meeting also focussed on strengthening collaboration between the government and the business sector to boost investment and job creation in the Metro.
“Central to these talks was the need to resolve persistent local challenges affecting business competitiveness, including investment in water, sanitation, electricity infrastructure, and improving port logistics.”
