The Western Cape’s Economic Development Partnership (EDP), which is to drive economic growth and job creation in the province, is to open its doors in April next year following the announcement of a high-level steering committee by Finance, Economic Development and Tourism MEC, Alan Winde.

He said members of the 17-member committee had “a diverse and deep understanding of the region’s economy, a proven track record in business and will guide the final design, implementation and launch of the EDP, whereafter a fiduciary board will be put in place”.  Representing tourism interests will be Cape Town Routes Unlimited (CTRU) chairman, Peter Bacon; Western Cape Department of Economic Development & Tourism head, Solly Fourie; Protea Hotels Group chairman, Otto Stehlik; and Winde.

It is anticipated the EDP will resolve the current duplication of marketing efforts by CTRU and Cape Town Tourism (CTT), resulting from a historical impasse between the province and the city, which funds CTT.

Following a fact-finding trip to London in 2010, Winde initiated the establishment of the EDP based on the example of the London Development Agency. A task team led by Cape Town Partnership CEO, Andrew Boraine, investigated its feasibility, consulted widely with stakeholders and reported back to the provincial cabinet, which eventually gave its in-principle approval on August 17 this year.  

Winde said at a first meeting, the steering committee agreed that:
- The EDP must enable the seamless integration of all actors in the economy.
- It should institutionalise the partnership between government and business to create mutual accountability for the future of the economy.
- It should guide, advise and capacitate the region’s business players around shared goals.
- It should play a leading role in creating an environment conducive for small and large business and investment into the economy.
- It should be the centre for economic and market intelligence for the region.
- It should monitor the performance of the economy and economic development organisations.