27 June 2003

By Thabo Mokgola

Eastern Cape Premier Mankhenkesi Stofile has unveiled a 10-year economic blueprint with which he aims to put the poverty stricken province on the path to economic prosperity.

Premier Stofile presented the strategic framework of the 10-year Provincial Growth and Development Plan (PGDP) to an audience of stakeholders during the official launch in King William's Town.

"The key objectives of the plan is to make the Eastern Cape a compelling place in which to live, work and invest," said Stofile. Stakeholders from provincial and local government, business sector, organised labour, non-governmental organisations and youth and gender commissions provided input into the formulation of the provincial economic policy document.

Stofile said the plan would inform economic development in the province from this year to 2014 to stimulate economy. The plan's foremost objectives would be to systematically eradicate poverty and unemployment, transform the agrarian economy, strengthen household security and consolidate, develop and diversify manufacturing and tourism.

Stofile said achievement of these objectives would be based mainly on creating a conducive environment for infrastructure and human resource development and public sector and institutional transformation.

"The strategic objectives contained in the framework will guide us in developing sectoral strategies and programmes and in planning our activities throughout the 10-year period," Stofile said.

He further emphasised the fact that phase two, which will lead to the launch of the plan itself, will hinge on stakeholders joining forces to use the framework as a basis for constructing and implementing programmes and plans to build a province where all citizens can contribute to the collective well-being of all.
- BuaNews

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