Topics announced for inaugural INDUTEC Conference and Workshops 2015The inaugural two-day INDUTEC conference is to be presented alongside this year's SA Industry and Technology Fair (INDUTEC). The INDUTEC expo, which is 12 exhibitions in one, takes place from 20-22 May, 2015, at the Gallagher Convention Centre, Midrand. Keith Burton Aimed at addressing challenges and opportunities in the manufacturing industry, the conference is formatted to provide practical solutions, stimulate dialogue, exchange expertise and develop strategies. "This inaugural INDUTEC conference features many industry experts as its key speakers, and the two-day format provides a unique structure for interest groups to focus on specific topics and debate policies that affect the broader South African industrial landscape," explained Keith Burton, MD of African Agenda, organiser of the conference. TopicsTopics include industrial and manufacturing competitiveness, political risk and governance, international competition, regionalism and localism, financing, infrastructural limitations, transformation, regulatory issues and sustainability. A major topic to be discussed is: 'Funding for green technology initiatives: the Manufacturing Competitiveness Enhancement Programme (MCEP).' MCEP is one of the Industrial Policy Action Plan programmes implemented by the DTI in 2012, which provides increased support for manufacturers to upgrade production facilities that will sustain employment and maximise profits short- and medium term. South Africa's manufacturing prospects, challenges, trends and technologies will also be discussed by Coenraad Bezuidenhout, CEO of Manufacturing Circle. The sector currently faces many challenges such as low productivity, labour instability, difficult labour relations, and poor international competitiveness. Other conference topics include: For more, go to www.indutecconference.org.za |