DESPITE a gruelling global pandemic, more than R136 billion worth of goods were exported from the Western Cape last year.
This, according to Wesgro’s 2021 Western Cape Trade Publication, represents a 7.4% growth in the value of exports from the province.
The report details highlights and trends during the 2020/2021 financial year and shows that the promotion agency’s Export Promotion Unit was able to facilitate 66 business agreements worth an estimated R4.7 billion, which are expected to yield 357 jobs over the next five years.
Agriculture and agri-processed products dominated the province’s exports, accounting for seven out of the top 10 exports.
*Citrus surpassed petroleum oils as the largest exported product from the Western Cape, with R18.8 billion exported in 2020.
*And wine came in second for largest exported product at R9.6 billion, followed by apples, pears, and quinces at R9.1 billion.
MEC for Finance and Economic Opportunities David Maynier congratulated Wesgro’s Export Promotion Unit for their innovation in driving international trade for the province.
“Growing exports, especially through trade promotion and the removal of obstacles to exports was a critical lever in our strategy to grow the economy and create jobs pre-Covid, and will continue to be a priority as we seek to rebuild our economy in the Western Cape,” he said.
Wesgro’s Acting chief executive Yaw Peprah said: “In spite of all the challenges faced, the agency has successfully adapted to this ‘new normal’ over the past 15-months, with our Export Promotion Unit seamlessly transitioning to a virtual trade mission platform to successfully achieve their mandates.
“While mindful of the continuous change and uncertainties currently faced, we are confident that with the above-mentioned achievements and initiatives, Cape Town and the Western Cape will continue to grow its exports into Africa and the rest of the world, helping to grow the Cape economy and creating the jobs our province needs.”