Massive R18bn expansion unveiled at Durban's Dube Trade Port
Dube Trade Port, the aerotropolis at Durban’s King Shaka International Airport, is undergoing a massive R18bn expansion.
The expansion plan for the special economic zone was announced by KZN MEC for economic development, tourism and environmental affairs Sihle Zikalala on Wednesday during a tour of the aerotropolis, situated 35km north of Durban.
Zikalala said the multibillion-rand second phase - which is set to create thousands of jobs - was happening at a time when KZN was experiencing an unparalleled wave of investment that was dramatically changing the economic landscape of the province.
“The second phase of the Dube Trade Port special economic zone is, therefore, a step forward towards this goal. This mega-development brings an additional 45ha of prime industrial land and is expected to generate R18bn within the special economic zone over the next five years,” said Zikalala.
He said the second phase heralded good news for the growth and prosperity of the province, as it offered “immense opportunities" in sectors such as electronics and aeronautical services - such as aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul, fixed-base operations and executive aerospace - among many other offerings.
“Significantly, we want investors to benefit from the incentives of the special economic zone and to take advantage of the greenfield space to develop a globally competitive KwaZulu-Natal,” said Zikalala.
He added that the aerotropolis was poised to enhance urban and national competitiveness through improved multi-modal transport access and coordinated, aviation-linked commercial development.