Big business was ”broadly satisfied” with the government’s fiscal and monetary policies, as well as its macro-economic policy and micro-economic programmes.
This was the gist of a joint statement issued on Sunday by government and the Big Business Working Group after an indaba on Friday and Saturday.
The aim of the discussions, held at Fancourt near George, was to find ways of accelerating growth and development in the country and of enhancing communication between business and government, the statement read.
The parties agreed there was room for further consultations in certain fields and would hold further talks on such topics as the Business Trust and the Growth and Development Summit.
The government delegation, led by President Thabo Mbeki, comprised Finance Minister Trevor Manuel, Trade and Industry Minister Alec Irwin, and Agriculture Minister Thoko Didiza, as well as a number of other ministers, deputy ministers and government officials.
The business delegation, led by Anglo American vice-president Mike Spicer, consisted of South Africa’s major business leaders — including BMW managing director Ian Robertson, Murray and Roberts chairman Dave Brink, Siemens chief executive Klaus Doring, First Rand chief executive Bongani Khumalo and Stanbic chairman Saki Macozoma.
The parties agreed that follow-up indabas would be held at least once a year, the statement read. – Sapa