TISA: one-stop investment shop
The Trade and Investment South Africa (TISA) agency works under the umbrella of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and provides a one-stop shop for investors and exporters at a national level.
A three-pronged investment strategy has been adopted to provide high-level investment performance:
- The development of Industrial Development Zones (IDZs): Duty free processing zones around coastal or inland ports, for dedicated exporters.
- The development of special incentive packages: Development of new and more effective incentives to match those being offered by competitor countries.
- Policy input for the creation of an investor-friendly environment: Active engagement in the policy debate to improve the overall investment climate.
On the export side TISA's export strategy focuses on secondary or manufacturing industries and the development of SMMEs (Small, medium and micro enterprises).
It also co-ordinates provincial initiatives to
match investors' requirements with opportunities available in all nine provinces. In particular, TISA focuses on promoting sectors of the South African economy that show the greatest growth potential and marketability.
These sectors are: chemicals (fine and speciality chemicals, polymers, and pharmaceuticals); minerals and metals (ferrous and non-ferrous metals); agroprocessing (meat, fruit and vegetables); textiles (clothing and leather); automotive (materials, technology and research); and information and communication technology (electronics and information technology).
Internationally, TISA's sales and marketing teams operate from around 50 diplomatic offices and provide core market intelligence as well as identifying opportunities and targeting key investors.
The TISA offices utilise the full range of communications to bring this message across, from negotiations to exhibitions.
TISA is a flexible, customer-led organisation in terms of the services it
delivers and the financial incentives it oversees, and carefully monitors its successes.
An example of this would be the TISA-funded sector-specific Export Councils in partnership with the South African business sector, and the financial Export Marketing & Investment Assistance (EMIA) export incentive scheme. In 2000 the sectors prioritised by TISA realised R4-billion in trade growth and R6.1-billion in fixed inward investment in the country's manufacturing sector.
TISA's sector specialists have a clear understanding of, and access to, the various industries, and can therefore provide sound advice. To ensure enquiries are channeled to the relevant specialist organisations, contact TISA's customer care centre 0861 843 384, or view their website for their contact details.
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