The Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC) is a dynamic economic development agency in the Eastern Cape.

ECDC works with provincial and national ministries, municipalities, chambers, private business, communities and other development agencies to implement the economic development policies of the Eastern Cape provincial government.

ECDC reports to an independent Board of Directors representing all stakeholders in the Eastern Cape. The directors are appointed by the Department of Economic Affairs, Environment and Tourism.

ECDC was formed in 1996 by an Act of the Eastern Cape Legislature to plan, finance, co-ordinate, market, promote and implement the development of the Eastern Cape Province and all its people in the fields of industry, commerce, agriculture, transport and finance.

The Enterprise Promotion Unit aims to increase the level and value of exports from the Eastern Cape by growing the pool of exporters and improving their access to markets.

• Develops and implements sector-based marketing campaigns to build international awareness of the competitive advantages of the Eastern Cape
• Develop sector reports on the state of the particular industry as well as opportunities
• Prepares together with private sector partners specific investment opportunity proposals for domestic and international investors
• In conjunction with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and overseas partners, the Unit organises missions to the Eastern Cape to showcase potential
• ECDC undertakes regular outward investment missions in targeted sectors to targeted countries
• Facilitates joint ventures and assists in identifying joint-venture opportunities between Eastern Cape and out-of-province firms (national and international)
• Assists investors in acquiring the necessary permits (work permits, export/ import permits and municipal permits)
• Assists in identifying and acquiring land and buildings
• Assists investors in accessing investment incentives
• Facilitates contact with qualified business service suppliers
• Assists with general relocation services to foreign staff and their families
• Provides an “aftercare” service to investors to ensure investment is running smoothly and to encourage further expansion.

Contact the Enterprise Promotion Unit Administrative Assistant.

• Facilitates access to the export incentive programmes of national government
• Conducts export readiness assessments
• Provides basic country and market data
• Facilitates participation in DTI national pavilions and other exhibitions
• Organises trade missions to key overseas markets
• Facilitates access to global networks
• ECDC’s trade promotion specialists will try to match your company to overseas agents, distributors, JV partners etc
• Offers a trade lead service
• Organises thematic workshops and seminars.

Contact ECDC’s Trade Promotion Specialist. The Trade Promotion Specialist at head office is the first point of contact for the unit. The unit undertakes to respond to queries within 24 hours.

• Confidential quality services
• Thorough knowledge of processes involved in investing
• Thorough knowledge of the requirements for exporting goods
• Timely and quality services.