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Free State Business 2017 edition

  • Text
  • Infrastructure
  • Development
  • Province
  • Investment
  • Business
  • Network
  • Bloemfontein
  • Municipality
  • Manufacturing
  • Economic
  • Province
  • Provincial
  • African
  • Opportunities
  • Mangaung
  • Industrial
Free State Business 2017 is the seventh edition of this highly successful publication that has since its launch in 2008 established itself as the premier business and investment guide to Free State Province. Supported and utilised by the Free State Development Corporation (FDC), Free State Business is unique as a business journal that focuses exclusively on the Free State.

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MESSAGE Free State Business A unique guide to business and investment in the Free State. Free State Business 2017 is the seventh edition of this highly successful publication that has since its launch in 2008 established itself as the premier business and investment guide to Free State Province. Supported and utilised by the Free State Development Corporation (FDC), Free State Business is unique as a business journal that focuses exclusively on the Free State. It has an independently audited and verified print run of 10 000 copies, an e-book edition hosted at www.freestatebusiness.co.za, and a monthly e-newsletter for up-to-date news and announcements. Global Africa Network Media (www.gan.co.za), the publisher of Free State Business, specialises in business-to-business print and electronic publications, producing a series of region-specific annual print journals. Every province in South Africa is covered by this unique range of journals and websites, complemented by a national title, South African Business, and the business matchmaking online platform Matchdeck.com. Chris Whales Publisher, Global Africa Network Media Email: chris@gan.co.za CREDITS Publisher: Chris Whales Publishing director: Robert Arendse Editor: Simon Lewis Writing: John Young, Karen Kühlcke, and Simon Lewis Online editor: Christoff Scholtz Art director: Brent Meder Design: Colin Carter Production: Lizel Oliver Ad sales: Sam Oliver, Gabriel Venter, Jeremy Petersen, Nigel Williams, and Sydwell Adonis Managing director: Clive During Administration & accounts: Charlene Steynberg and Natalie Koopman Distribution and circulation manager: Edward MacDonald Printing: FA Print DISTRIBUTION Free State Business is distributed internationally on outgoing and incoming trade missions, through the Free State Development Corporation (FDC); at top national and international events; through the offices of foreign representatives in South Africa; as well as nationally and regionally via chambers of commerce, tourism offices, trade and investment agencies, airport lounges, provincial government departments, municipalities and companies. PUBLISHED BY Global Africa Network Media (Pty) Ltd Company Registration No: 2004/004982/07 Directors: Clive During, Chris Whales Physical address: 28 Main Road, Rondebosch 7700 Postal address: PO Box 292, Newlands 7701 Tel: +27 21 657 6200 | Fax: +27 21 674 6943 Email: info@gan.co.za | Website: www.gan.co.za ISSN 1999-5059 COPYRIGHT | Free State Business is an independent publication published by Global Africa Network Media (Pty) Ltd. Full copyright to the publication vests with Global Africa Network Media (Pty) Ltd. No part of the publication may be reproduced in any form without the written permission of Global Africa Network Media (Pty) Ltd. PHOTO CREDITS | COVER: Sibanye Gold’s Beatrix 3 Shaft Photographer: Cindy Brown. Pictures supplied by flickr.com, Anglo American, Wikimedia Commons, Afrox, Free State Tourism, RailnetPictures, and Pixabay. DISCLAIMER | While the publisher, Global Africa Network Media (Pty) Ltd, has used all reasonable efforts to ensure that the information contained in Free State Business is accurate and up-to-date, the publishers make no representations as to the accuracy, quality, timeliness, or completeness of the information. Global Africa Network will not accept responsibility for any loss or damage suffered as a result of the use of or any reliance placed on such information. FREE STATE BUSINESS 2017 6

MESSAGE A commitment to inclusive growth CEO of the FDC Ikhraam Osman invites business people to explore the opportunities on offer in the Free State. IKHRAAM OSMAN CEO, Free State Development Corporation The period from 2010 has been characterised by a global economic slowdown, which has also affected emerging markets. Growth in the BRICS countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) has declined from about 9% in 2010 to 4% in 2015. Both external and domestic as well as cyclical and structural factors have contributed to the slowdown in emerging markets. Generally, external factors have been the main cause of the slowdown and these factors include weak global economic performance due to falling commodity prices. However, South Africa has made impressive social progress over the past two decades, lifting millions of people out of poverty and broadening access to essential services like water, electricity and sanitation. Now is the time to build on these successes to reduce inequality further, create badly needed jobs and ensure stronger, sustainable and more inclusive growth for all according to the OECD Survey 2015. Economic growth in South Africa has not been inclusive enough during the first 22 years of democratic South Africa. Government is tackling infrastructure bottlenecks and improving business regulations that could boost job creation. Improving wage negotiations and job matching would also promote more inclusive growth. In line with the Free State Growth & Development Strategy (FSGDS) and the FDC Act (Act No 6 of 1995), the FDC will continue to unlock business opportunities for both local direct and foreign direct investors in an effort to broaden access to economic prosperity. This 2017 Free State Business publication presents the Free State province’s value proposition as a business and tourism destination. The province is open for business as is demonstrated annually through the hosting of the Free State Global Investors Trade Bridge. The event is complemented by “Macufe”, the Mangaung African Cultural Festival that annually brings up to 150 000 travellers into Bloemfontein or “the City of Roses” as it is commonly known. We invite visitors to explore some of the key opportunities in the Free State, which include the following: • The fact that the province is a leading agricultural commodities producer, presenting significant opportunities across the agroprocessing value chain • Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality has announced a R100-billion infrastructure investment programme to unlock business, retail, real estate and infrastructure development along the N8 Corridor • A newly gazetted Special Economic Zone attracting investments in food processing, manufacturing, logistics and beverages The FDC investment facilitation team would help you to explore business opportunities in the Free State and assist you to set up and operate a business here. For more information, please peruse this business guide. www.fdc.co.za 7 FREE STATE BUSINESS 2017

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