TIKZN partners with Proudly SA to promote localisation

Trade & Investment KwaZulu-Natal has partnered with Proudly SA to promote economic growth and the creation and retention of jobs through localisation.

In addition to being the  provincial investment promotion agency, TIKZN is also mandated to grow the provincial export capacity by assisting local companies to access international markets. This is in line with Proudly SAÂ’s purpose, which is to promote products and services produced, originated or deliverable from South Africa, in order to further economic development and job creation in the country. Its key focus areas include targeting the public and private sectors, as well as the consumers through its tools, programmes and activities that promote access to markets for its members, and to create awareness of the importance of buying locally more broadly for all industries.

The partnership will see TIKZN  and  Proudly SA  participate or collaborate in the implementation events, campaigns, activations or buy local initiatives to further industrialisation and stimulate job creation through the support of the private sector, the public sector and consumers by procuring locally made products and/or services.

Any approval of work to be completed by one of the Parties by, or on behalf of the other, will only commence on supply of a Purchase Order with payment as per agreed milestones and terms on a per-project basis.

As part of this strategic economic development partnership, TIKZN partnered with Proudly South African to host a seminar for local business owners on "Access to market opportunities for your business." Held in Umhlanga in May, it brought together local SMME owners and entrepreneurs to learn about the services offered by Proudly South African, TIKZN, Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Companies Tribunal Small Enterprise Development Agency (Seda) and Productivity SA.

Earlier in the year (March) TIKZN was at the Buy Local Summit and Expo, showcasing itÂ’s export promotion and trade facilitation services. Buy Local is a Proudly SA flagship event which holds SMME focussed workshops, lessons in local procurement, business solutions hub, to legislator and compliance issues.