Established at the request of senior policy-makers of the new Government in 1996, TIPS is an independent, non-profit economic research institution. The organisation initially operated as a project within the IDRC's Johannesburg Office, and became a Section 21 Company in 2001.
To be a leader in independent economic policy analysis and research in pursuit of development in Africa.
We are active in both the South African and Southern African economic policy arenas and co-ordinate a wide network of established researchers. Our aim is to remain responsive to the local policy environment, government and other clients' research and information needs; to deliver high-quality, policy-relevant research; and to maintain an overt and strong interest in public policy in the areas associated with developing country economic policy.
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This paper reviews several studies of the determinants of exports in South Africa in the light of the policy directions, which have emphasised the importance of an export led growth path for the economy. Major trading partners and the composition of trade are examined as are the role of the real exchange rate, capital intensity, research and development, export incentives and the vent for surplus theories of export behaviour.