On 22 September, the NWU's TRADE research entity, under the auspices of the WTO Chairs Programme, hosted a workshop together with the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) on the topic: 'Navigating global economic headwinds and tailwinds: New directions for industrial and trade policy'. Discussions centred on the new industrial and trade policy nexus, as well as the implications of Brexit for South Africa and countries in different parts of the world.

A number of short presentations were also given by the speakers:

Prof Peet Strydom - 'An overview of industrial policy and the new international trade environment', 'The role of firms in international trade' and 'New international trade patterns'

Dr Sonja Grater - The role of small firms in R/GVCs

Mr Martin Cameron - How a supportive policy framework/package can increase SADC's participation in R/GVCs

Mr Peter Draper - Balanced regional trade agreements

Prof Ludo Cuyvers - To Brexit or not to Brexit? That's the question

More details regarding the workshop can be found by following the links below:

1) The paradigm shift in global trade relations — implications for South Africa’s industrial and trade policies (Summary of workshop)

2) Brexit … now what? 

3) Videos

4) Photos