The Eastern Cape is participating in a national planning process “to develop the South African ocean economy”.
The Provincial Development Plan (PDP) says that the process “should result in a roadmap for the development of the ocean economy that identifies high impact projects and interventions and specific key enablers”
This includes business development, marketing and investment promotion strategies.
In addition, it includes research, knowledge, technology, innovation and capacity building initiatives.
As part of the “Blue Economy initiative, the PDP wants to see increased exploration activities in Algoa Bay.
Among the new “Blue economy” activities suggested for Nelson Mandela Bay are a dry dock and “Green ship recycling” at the Port of Ngqura and the development of a marina/waterfront in the Port Elizabeth Harbour.
It also wants to see increased coastal shipping between the three Eastern Cape ports.
The PDP says that development of the “Blue Economy” should be a priority for q number of reasons, one of which is the need to diversify the economy away from the automotive sector and another, the province’s existing assets in this sphere.
Article published from Metro Minutes by Patrick Cull”.
