Deputy Speaker, I will let the members of the troika speak for themselves.
Let me say that in the African Growth and Opportunity Act we do see opportunities. Therefore, we are lobbying strongly for the extension of the African Growth and Opportunity Act. We are also seeking revision on some of the provisions of the African Growth and Opportunity Act to benefit South African manufacturing.
Let me deal with the Walmart issue. The simplest answer to this is that indeed we met with the management of Walmart on more than one occasion, and we have engaged them precisely on this issue. The issue was on how one can make sure that their entry to South Africa helps to increase the total number of jobs in our economy, both by them procuring locally and by them incorporating South African companies in the global supply chain.
But there is a tough issue. No country has ever been able to create sustainable wealth, jobs and prosperity based on consumption only. You cannot shop your way to wealth and jobs. You have to produce, have factories, have agricultural products and beneficiate your mining products. Therefore, if Walmart wants to come to South Africa, it has to partner with us. It also has to procure from South African companies. We cannot afford an industrial wasteland with many factories closing because we built a super highway between South Africa and other Asian countries. There has to be a focus on South African jobs. That is the priority of this government. I hope it is the priority of this august House. Thank you. [Applause.]