Chairperson, perhaps the hon member would be well advised to put those kinds of questions to that congress! I cannot speak on its behalf. [Applause.]
What I can indicate is that - while Cosatu expressed reservations about aspects of the New Growth Path when it was released, and we wanted a public discussion on policy - it has also signed a number of accords that flow from the New Growth Path. These include a memorandum of understanding on infrastructure, and accords on local procurement, the green economy, skills development, and working together on basic education. It has endorsed the targets of the New Growth Path.
Our challenge now is to ensure that at the workplace level the co-operation between business and labour is fostered, because that is where wealth is created. We have had very positive signals and very positive signs in practice, and we think that the debates that we have started have been helpful in clarifying parties' positions. They have moved beyond just asserting their opening positions and have begun to reach out and build a practical partnership. You have seen examples of this in the mining sector recently, where Cosatu and its affiliates have worked with the Chamber of Mines and others to help stabilise the industrial relations environment. Thank you.
Progress made towards regional economic integration
318. Ms S C van der Merwe (ANC) asked the Minister of Trade and Industry:
What progress is being made towards regional economic integration, particularly in respect of the Tripartite Free Trade Area (FTA) process between the Southern African Development Community (SADC), the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), and the East African Community (EAC)?