The team from the Atlantis Special Economic Zone (ASEZ) recently welcomed French Ambassador Aurélien Lechevallier to Atlantis to showcase the collaborative nature of the investment ecosystem inherent in the region.
Pierre Voges, acting CEO of the ASEZ, welcomed the ambassador and the delegation. “We look forward to facilitating many green technology investments from France flowing into our Special Economic Zone as a result of engaging with the ambassador and his team,” he said.
The delegation visited the Huthamki factory, the leading fibre packaging supplier in South Africa, which produces fibre- and pulp-based packaging for fresh food and beverages.
“I am pleased to hear the factory is currently undergoing an expansion,” said James Vos, Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Opportunities and Asset Management.
The ASEZ is focused on the green economy with the aim of attracting and retaining export-focused green-tech investment.
Voges told the delegation the transfer of the general industrial zoned properties, valued at R56,5 million at the end of 2020, to the Atlantis Special Economic Zone company (SOC) allows the ASEZ company to contract legally on the land with prospective bidders and provides much needed economic stimulus and opportunities for the community of Atlantis and Cape Town’s green technology hub.
He explained the ASEZ provides much-needed economic stimulus and creates opportunities to unlock industrial development in manufacturing and technology.
It also has implications for the transfer of employment and skills for the community of Atlantis as well as Cape Town’s green technology hub, Voges said.
A total of R680 million worth of investment has been drawn into the ASEZ from companies specialising in everything from geotextiles to wind tower manufacturing.
“We are really excited about the benefits that the ASEZ will bring for the Atlantis area as well as the investment ecosystem of Cape Town,” Voges concluded.
