Export promotion through people : an investigation into the Export, Marketing and Investment Assistance (EMIA) incentive within the agro-processing sector

Abstract

Export barriers are an impediment to export intensity and export performance, yet little is understood about the exact export barriers facing exports in the agro-processing sector. Network theory and dynamic capabilities view are central to exporters growing and thriving in the export ecosystem. Twelve exporters, three senior stakeholders as well as three focus groups from the Department of Trade & Industry (the dti) were held to unpack what can be done to improve export promotion broadly and the Export Marketing and Investment Assistance incentive in particular. Thematic coding was used to identify code groups and these dovetailed with the literature that was reviewed. The study recommended that EMIA be reviewed and that a supporting ecosystem be put in place to facilitate greater volume and value of exports.