Good morning and thank you for the opportunity to address you at this important milestone in the history of the Industrial Development Corporation. South Africa’s industrial development was initially shaped by mining, but linkages to the rest of the economy spurred the growth of the manufacturing sector. Today, industrial development is still seen as central for economic growth and employment creation in the country. However, South Africa’s manufacturing sector is currently facing significant short-term as well as longer-term challenges. Fifteen years ago, the sector accounted for about 18 per cent of GDP, but today its share is 12,5 per cent, with the finance, real estate and business services sector now the single largest sector at almost 20 per cent.