Madam Deputy Speaker, the Department of Trade and Industry launched an Investment Promotion and Facilitation Call Centre in Moroka, Soweto, on Friday, 16 October 2009. The Cheshire home-based call centre is part of the new strategy on investment promotion and facilitation that seeks to improve the investment climate in the country and reduce the cost of doing business.
The 10-seater call centre will be staffed by people with disabilities. It will be a one-stop shop service for national and international investors to reduce administrative and regulatory barriers, as well as to facilitate a smooth entry into the South African market by foreign investors. The call centre will provide an environment conducive to improving our investment climate.
South Africa has recognised investment as a key element. We are trying to reach targets in productive activity, growth in employment, decreasing inequalities, tackling poverty and providing decent employment. The success of this three-year pilot project may lead to further expansion of this concept and adoption by government departments and the private sector across the country. The call centre will be operational from 30 November 2009. I thank you. [Applause.]