By Noko Mashilo
The Limpopo Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) is actively contributing to the government’s National Development Plan, which emphasises the vital role of SMMEs in driving economic development. In line with this vision, the LCCI will host a “Doing Business with India” seminar next week in Polokwane. LCCI president Albert Jeleni told Vutivi News that the seminar would highlight business opportunities between South Africa and India.
“The purpose is to exchange valuable information about business opportunities in India that South African enterprises can explore, and vice versa, presenting opportunities in Limpopo that could benefit the Indian business community. This initiative will help strengthen and increase bilateral trade between the two nations,” he said. Jeleni said this was the chamber’s first seminar focusing on India.
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“We’ll be sharing details on key initiatives such as the Fetakgomo-Tubatse Special Economic Zone (FTSEZ), which focuses on attracting international investors through manufacturing, with incentives like preferential tax treatment. “Additionally, FTSEZ promotes manufacturing and agro-processing in Limpopo. Another zone in Musina specialises in energy and metallurgy-related engineering,” Jeleni said. There would be a site visit to the FTSEZ before the seminar.
He said India would present its “One District, One Product” programme, which was aimed at fostering sustainable employment at a district level. “Their focus will include sectors like banking, finance, tourism, hospitality, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, medical devices and food processing. India’s delegation will share their growth stories, trade policies, market insights, industry challenges and potential collaborations.”
The seminar will be attended by Indian consulate representatives and delegates from South Africa, including Limpopo premier Phophi Ramathuba and economic development MEC Tshitereke Matibe Established in 2019, the LCCI was founded to serve as a unified voice for local businesses and to engage with government, advocating for opportunities for South Africans.
Jeleni said the chamber offered substantial support to businesses. “For example, if a business is looking to export to Namibia, we provide a certificate of origin when necessary. We also assist in verifying goods to ensure their authenticity and advise businesses accordingly,” he said.
While the chamber aimed to assist SMMEs, Jeleni said it was dealing with a number of obstacles, including a lack of clarity regarding the legislative rights of chambers in South Africa. “Our second frustration is the slow pace of legislative amendments that would align local business laws with international standards, which hinders our ability to compete globally.
“Lastly, the government’s limited capacity to understand and address the needs of businesses further complicates the process,” he said. Despite the challenges, Jeleni was upbeat about LCCI’s achievements. “We have managed to bring together a network of over 1200 SMMEs in Limpopo, ensuring that they are informed about the opportunities available to them,” he said.
