FRIDGE RESEARCH NOTES
Research conducted under the Fund for Research into
Industrial Development Growth and Equity (Fridge) continues to be
an important aspect of Nedlac's work. The Department of Trade and
Industry, which funds the programme, has recognised the value of
the work, and has allocated R7 million rand to the programme over
the next budget year. This is a transfer to the Industrial
Development Coporation (IDC), which manages the logistical and
financial side of the programme.
Recently concluded studies:
Eco-labelling
The main objective of the study was to inform decision making -
as part of the Integrated Manufacturing Strategy - regarding the
feasibility and appropriateness of developing a national
eco-labelling scheme in South Africa and/or facilitating access to
existing labelling initiatives of key trade partners. This was
based on an assessment of the state of eco-labelling abroad as well
as market access issues, and on an evaluation of relevant market
conditions in South Africa.
The study has been completed, and will be released for public
distribution once the Trade and Industry Chamber has discussed the
policy recommendations emanating from the study.
Pharmaceutical Study
The aim of the study was to:
- establish the drivers of competitiveness in the market for
generic pharmaceuticals, pinpointing relative strengths and
weaknesses of domestic manufacturers, and thereby opportunities and
threats which could affect the competitive performance of the local
industry;
- Propose collective and individual actions by labour,
government, industry associations and individual companies to
address the competitive issues identified in the course of the
study; and
- Build capacity and co-operation between stakeholders in the
pharmaceutical sector.
- In addition, it was agreed during the course of the study that
it was critical to identify specific categories in the offpatent or
generic pharmaceutical sector where competitive manufacturing could
be stimulated pro-actively, with a specific focus on the Essential
Drugs List (EDL).
The Trade and Industry Chamber has adopted the report of the
study, which will be released once policy recommendations have been
debated.
Studies in progress:
- Metals & Engineering sector strategies - this research will
underpin the proposed sector summit.
- Implementation Of The Globally Harmonised System Of Chemical
Classification And Hazard Communication(Ghs) In South Africa. A
stakeholder workshop was held to discuss the Situational Analysis
Report. This will be followed by a Gap Analysis, and a
socio-economic report, culminating in an implementation strategy.
The anticipated completion date of the project is November
2003.
- Measures to reduce Air Pollution: Reports on the Definition of
Air Pollutants and the Identification of Specific Sources of
Pollution have been discussed. The anticipated completion date of
the project is November 2003.
- Local Content Procurement - A report on the first five case
studies has been approved by the counterpart group. The anticipated
completion date of the study is May 2003.
- Mercosur Trade - The study will focus on three sectors,
textiles, clothing and leather. The terms of reference are
currently being consolidated and once completed the study will be
put to tender.
New studies:
- Diamond Ostrich ICT Development Creation of Phosphate Value
Chain
- Study into the establishment of Aroma and Fragrance fine
chemicals value chain
- Preliminary Feasibility Study into the Manufacture of
Penicillin and Derivatives in South Africa.