IDZ looking very promising for Saldanha Bay

CAPE TOWN — The prospects of an industrial development zone (IDZ) being designated in Saldanha Bay were looking “very positive”, Department of Trade and Industry director-general Lionel October said on Friday.

This would add to the suite of SA’s zones, which include East London and Coega.

Mr October said a study undertaken by national, provincial and local government into the feasibility of an IDZ at Saldanha Bay had been completed and would be presented this week.

An application would then be made for Trade and Industry Minister Rob Davies to designate it as an IDZ.

The Dutch government has promised to collaborate on the project, using its experience in operating the Rotterdam port.

Mr Davies said the IDZ would benefit the proposed mineral sands project to produce zirconium and titanium at Saldanha Bay.

The Industrial Development Corporation and the National Empowerment Fund would invest in the project, which studies showed would be an “absolute winner”, Mr Davies said.

Mr Davies said other industries that could be incorporated into a Saldanha Bay IDZ would be aquaculture and the servicing of the oil and gas industry along the west coast.

He said the department intended to propose new legislation to create other kinds of industrial areas outside of existing industrial concentrations, pro- moting the creation of special economic zones.

Asked about progress in achieving a competitive steel price, Mr Davies said the task force appointed to look into this had completed the first phase of its work, which would be submitted shortly to the Cabinet .

source businessday.co.za

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