The West Coast Investment Initiative showcased the Cape West Coast region at the international investors conference held in Saldanha from 25 to 27 February 1998. The West Coast is the jewel in the country's fishing industry. Endless beaches, majestic mountains and a magnificent wild-flower kingdom also make the region a popularseasonal holiday destination. The farming towns of Vredendal, Citrusdal, Clanwilliam, Piketberg, Morreesburg, Malmesbury and Wupperthal and the coastal towns of Elands Bay, Lamberts Bay andDoring Bay, also form part of the region. The area is rich in mineral deposits including zinc, granite, marble, limestone, quartzite, phosphate, dolomite, kaolin and salt.
Work is underway to identify bankable projects.
Industry The Saldanha Steel Plant, with an annual capacity of 1.2 million tons of hot rolled coil, is the region's anchor industrial project. There are numerous downstream opportunities for manufacturing a variety of high quality steel and related products, particularly for export. Agriculture and agri-processing The fertile West Coast yields a diversity of crops. Citrus fruit, fruit juices, wine, herbal tea, herbs, wheat products and potatoes are just some of the products of the region. Ancillary agri-industries present a range of exciting possibilities for expansion into national and international markets.