GEORGE NEWS - Business owners from Pacaltsdorp held a successful meeting last week where it was unanimously decided that a formal structure in the form of a business chamber needs to be established in order to work towards economic growth in the area.

The meeting took place at Eagle's Nest Ministries.

The group's spokesperson, Julian Klassen, said that some constructive debates took place that will open the doors for the participation of the Pacaltsdorp business community in the first world economy.

"We welcome the involvement of the George Business Chamber, Local Economic Development Department (LED) as well as the commitment expressed by the CEO of the Handelsinstituut van Suid-Afrika, which we believe will help the Pacaltsdorp Chamber become an inclusive active entity that will contribute towards the development of local business in Pacaltsdorp and the wider George area," he said.

"Members are excited about the announcement of President Cyril Ramaphosa to encourage foreign investors. They see the existence of a local formal forum as the vehicle that will contribute towards the creation of job opportunities and reduction of unemployment, especially among the youth and women. This in turn, we believe, will lead to a reduction in crime."

The Community Works Programme made a positive contribution at the meeting on how they can deliver an input towards the unemployed in Pacaltsdorp by placing workers to do community work.

Members of the chamber-to-be will have access to online information regarding development and business opportunities, and ways of contributing towards the growth of a wealthier community.

A workshop will be held on 12 May from 15:00 to 18:00 in preparation for the founding meeting, which is being planned for the end of June. 

Dr Willie Cilliers of the Handelsinstituut, the LED and the George Chamber will be invited.

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