The fifth Industrial Policy Action Plan (IPAP) for 2013-14, launched by the Government of South Africa, aims to support the manufacturing of textiles and clothing in the country, along with other sectors. Unveiling IPAP 2013-14, Minister of Trade and Industry Rob Davies said the main objective of the plan was to promote industrialization in the country and thereby stimulate economic growth.
The Minister said South African clothing and textile industry has seen a significant turnaround and local firms have been successful in recapturing domestic market share and forming working relationships with the government, retailers and other manufacturers. He added that the decline in employment in the country's textile and apparel sector has slowed down and the negative trend is being reversed. IPAP 2013-14 gives high priority to the textiles and garment sector owing to its labour-intensive character. The plan also set standards and a strategic tariff regime to curb substandard imports.
The Minister said the South African economy needs to explore new export markets, particularly in African continent, and pursue regional integration. In addition to exploring new markets, IPAP will focus on generating employment, encouraging innovation and taking benefit of new opportunities provided by South Africa's BRICS membership.
