Speaking on SAfm, Ann Bernstein, executive director of the CDE, called for a comprehensive overhaul of South Africa’s trade policy. She attributed the significant decline in the country’s manufacturing sector to this policy and noted, “Manufacturing has declined both as a percentage of GDP and as a key employer. Between 1960 and 2023, its contribution to GDP plummeted from 20% to a mere 3%.” This interview followed the release of CDE’s latest Agenda 2024 publication, titled ACTION SEVEN: Rethink growth, jobs, and the DTIC.