Steel Construction Vol 40 No 1 - Architecturally Exposed Steel | Page 4

SAISC COMMENT 2016 HURDLES – ready, get set... GO! By Paolo Trinchero, Chief Executive Officer, SAISC The year has started with extreme volatility and renewed pressure on commodities. We have been battered with dire economic predictions but I take comfort that there is a small chance that economists can often be wrong. With this in mind we can no longer plan our way into the future. We have to knuckle down and work hard together to create the future we want to see. So, I would like us to move from survival mode to growth all be it slow and arduous. “ Our efforts on the well for the steel industry in the longer term. Our efforts on the promotion of local fabricated structural steel continue in earnest, designation and enforcement of duties on fabricated structural steel have begun to yield some success. I believe that if we work together as an industry and all sing from the same hymn sheet we can generate sufficient momentum to encourage the positive change and mind shifts we require. promotion of local fabricated structural steel continue in earnest, designation and enforcement of duties on fabricated structural steel have begun to yield some SUCCESS. I believe that if we work together as an industry and all sing from the same hymn sheet WE CAN generate sufficient momentum to ENCOURAGE the positive change and mind shifts we require. ” From the SAISC perspective we are now a We have a great deal of work to do to larger group with a number of very ensure that we have a balanced approach competent and successful associations to tariffs and a sustained drive towards and some that need to be bedded down competitiveness and innovation. and re-energised. This will require backto-basics but I think we are entering an I am still confident that we can deliver exciting time. and compete with the rest of the world. • We are a can do industry. The first order of the day is to continue to assist our members to identify markets and opportunities going forward. Exports are often highlighted as a cure all • We have a proven track record of delivering world-class quality projects. • Our Members have world-class facilities especially when the rand dollar exchange and have adopted the most modern rate is in our favour. We believe there are technologies available today. opportunities but dedicated export departments are required to improve our For our members, help us to continue success rate. As a collective we should all helping you. Send young staff on training lobby to ensure more projects come on courses; get involved and give us your stream. feedback. It is only through a concerted effort on skills development and 2 Steel Construction Vol. 40 No. 1 2016 Southern Africa needs a substantial innovation that we can become the world investment in infrastructure which bodes leaders that we know we can be.