# North West University Business School economist Raymond Parsons says the government must step up diplomatic efforts to avoid losing preferential trade benefits under the African Growth and Opportunity Act. Parsons warns losing access could hurt key sectors such as agriculture and the motor industry, putting jobs at risk. He added the impact may be manageable, but comes as South Africa’s growth forecast drops to 1.2-percent, making it important to expand trade with China, India and other African countries.
Economist urges the government to diversify trade as AGOA uncertainty grows