Its purpose is to provide advisory forum on economic development matters in support of the vision of the City of Johannesburg.
This was confirmed by CoJ Member of the Mayoral Committee -Department of Economic Development, Lawrence Khoza, following a meeting on Wednesday with the forum.
The JBF is charged with promoting ongoing contact between the City and organized business, as well as identifying problem areas and challenges within the business milieu and helping with the resolution thereof.
It also serves as a consultative and advisory forum on economic development matters and assists the City in monitoring progress in regard to implementation of economic development objectives.
“It has taken a while to reconstitute the Johannesburg Business Forum, and we are glad that finally this very important Forum has sat. The partnership with business is important in the City’s efforts towards building a competitive, thriving and inclusive city with economic opportunities for all,” says the MMC.
“We believe that it is important that we create policy frameworks that encourage private sector investment that seeks to retain the businesses that we have, we know that a lot of them have been suffering as a result of Covid-19.
“Our view is that this forum should be seized with strategic economic issues, we want to hear from the business community, for example on how do we can develop Soweto into a strategic hub; how do we create opportunities in Lenasia, Alexandra, Midrand, Sandton, Riverlea, etc.
We hope this forum will be able to assist us in designing the policies, regulations that make Johannesburg an attractive investment and business destination,” says MMC Khoza.
Johannesburg regarded as the gate-way to Africa and the world, is a destination of businesses and choice; and the forum’s return will be welcomed by many especially the SMMEs who have been hit hard by the impact of the pandemic, declining economy and burgeoning joblessness.
Recently, the City confirmed a huge investment deal with Chinese companies to take off later this year.
