Page 15 - KZN Top Business Portfolio 2021/22- eBook

by value and bulk respectively. The Durban – Free Economic Sectors
State – Gauteng logistics and transport corridor The province offers a competitive advantage in manu-
forms the backbone of South Africa’s freight facturing, transport, storage and communications,
transportation network and is vital in facilitating as well as finance and business services. It is well
economic growth for the country. positioned in agriculture, forestry and fishing,
Special Economic Zones agricultural resource-intensive manufacturing and in
KwaZulu-Natal boasts two industrial zones, namely: the tourism and accommodation sectors.
the Dube TradePort and Richard’s Bay Industrial Economic activity is concentrated in the metropolitan
Development Zone. Dube TradePort Special Economic areas of Durban, Pietermaritzburg and Richards Bay,
Zone (SEZ) since inception has attracted investment with the coastal belts utilised for sugar cane plant-
with a value of R1.8 billion. There are currently 41 ations and sub-tropical fruit and vegetables.
operational investors which have created a total of The development of an automotive supply park in
3,300 job opportunities. the South of Durban is envisaged to stimulate the
The Dube TradePort is home to King Shaka Inter- automotive sector and work is underway to develop a
national Airport which forms the heart of the first Clothing & Textile SEZ in the province.
purpose-built aerotropolis in Africa and is destined to Tourism
become a premier business and trade hub. The Dube
TradePort is the only facility in Africa that brings KZN has many natural advantages including the scenic
together an international airport, a cargo terminal, beauty, biodiversity and the unique cultural diversity.
warehousing, offices, a retail sector, hotels, and an It is a key tourist destination with potential to grow
agricultural area. further. KZN tourist attractions include stunning
mountainous areas, wildlife reserves (with big five
The Richards Bay Industrial Development Zone animals – lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, rhino) and
(RBIDZ) is a purpose built and secure industrial estate beautiful beaches washed by the warm Indian Ocean.
on the north-eastern South African coast. The N2
business corridor links the Province’s two major ports, The province boasts the iconic Moses Mabhida
Stadium and two World Heritage Sites in the form
Durban and Richards Bay, and connects with Maputo in of the Drakensberg Mountains and the Isimangaliso
Mozambique and, ultimately, areas of East Africa.
Wetland Park.
Economy
Lifestyle
KZN is the second largest contributor to the economy
of the country, generating a percentage share of KZN comprises diverse people, a mixture of cultures,
a relaxed coastal lifestyle with all necessary amenities
national GDP of 16 % after Gauteng with a percentage and a business-friendly environment.
share of GDP of 34.1 %.

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