Hon Chair, in noting our economic indicators of the gross domestic product, GDP, growth of 0,9% in the first quarter of 2013; the unemployment rate of some 25,6 to 40%; our current account deficit standing at 5,8% of our GDP; and a gain coefficient of 0,62 - being one of the highest if not the highest in the world - the ACDP is of the opinion that something must be done to kick-start our economy.
With the South African and global economies battling to grow and create jobs, the ACDP is confident that the introduction of SEZs could potentially be the catalyst needed to revive our economy. This year, our economy has grown at a rate of 2% compared to 2,5% in 2012. If we wish to create another 5 million jobs by 2020, it is imperative that we look at best practice initiatives and introduce interventions that will boost economic activity. However, South Africans need to be assured that SEZs will not suffer the same fate as our industrial development zones.
The establishment of the IDZs was intended to attract investment, and increase exports and the competitiveness of South African products in the five zones: Port Elizabeth, East London, Richards Bay, Gauteng and Saldanha Bay. To date, the lacklustre investment in the country's industrial development zones and their failure to meet the ambitious goals have attracted mixed reviews regarding the international competitiveness of South African IDZs.
The ACDP supports the promotion of the competitiveness of South Africa's enterprises through leveraging investment in export-orientated manufacturing industries and promoting the export of value-added manufactured goods.
Special economic zones in foreign countries have a proven track record of positively contributing to addressing challenges such as unemployment, inequality and various economic disadvantages which are rife in South Africa. The ACDP is of the opinion that the same could be done here in our country.
We hope that when introduced, these zones will in particular benefit our underdeveloped rural areas by creating a platform which will see foreign skills being transferred to our local labourers.
The ACDP will support this Bill. I thank you. [Applause.]