The experiences, knowledge and outcomes of this conference should enhance and support the work of respective missions.

I have been assured that Ministers who made presentations last week have clearly outlined the mandate of the fifth administration.

Let me reconfirm that the economy is the apex priority for our country over the next five years. We must put all our efforts into promoting a positive environment for economic growth and development if we are to break the back of poverty, unemployment and inequality.

We have set a growth target of five percent by 2019. Such a target would enable us to get more South Africans employed. It is not an easy target to meet, given the global economic climate but as government, business, labour and society in general we need to use all the expertise and resources at our disposal to meet this goal. We may also need to change our attitudes.

Available: http://www.dirco.gov.za/docs/speeches/2014/jzum0831.html