Protectionism or consumer concern?

TIPS recently completed a study investigating how South Africa can improve the strategic use of its technical infrastructure (which include SABS, NMISA, SANAS, and NRCS) in a way that maximises enforcement by creating linkages with other measures such as import controls, consumer protection and customs and administrative procedures in order to grow the local manufacturing sector and facilitate manufacturing exports.

This Development Dialogue presents an overview detailing the importance of technical regulations in protecting local manufacturers and consumers, but also looking at how globally these regulations can/are being used as a form of protection.

ABOUT THE SPEAKER

Mbofholowo Tsedu is an Assistant Programme Manager for the Industrial Development pillar at TIPS primarily focused on trade and industrial policy issues. Mbofholowo has been engaged in numerous industrial policy-related studies including on designation, local content reporting, sector strategies and localisation. He also has been responsible for providing supplementary research support to TIPS's other pillars. Mbofholowo has an economics degree from the University of Pretoria and is currently completing a MSc programme focused on Industrialisation, Trade and Economic Policy at the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, Scotland.