World Cup 'a basis to make progress'

Johannesburg - The 2010 FIFA World Cup has formed a basis on which real opportunities can be built and the potential it has provided must be expanded, the SA Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Sacci) said on Monday.
   
"This event has provided a positive impetus to economic trends which may not have otherwise have existed," Sacci said in a statement.
  
Visitor arrivals had exceeded expectations and despite some minor hiccups, the event had given South Africa the potential to overcome the hesitancy it was experiencing in its recovery from the recent global downturn.
  
"The country must build on the positive outcomes experienced such as the efficiency and effectiveness of the security and justice systems and the relative efficiency of the transport system."
  
Sacci said South Africa should be proud of the uniqueness of the stadiums and of the global acclaim they generated.
 
"A true legacy for South Africa lies in the fact that architects and construction companies will be involved in the design and construction of stadiums in Brazil for the 2014 World Cup."
  
South Africa had shown it could successfully host major events, and should boldly pursue other opportunities as they presented themselves.
  
Already there were signs that business and consumer confidence had been boosted, as seen in the June Sacci Business Confidence Index which registered an increase of 2.8 index points over May 2010.
  
"We need now to turn our focus from Soccer World Cup 2010 to opportunities 2010, wherein we harness the impact of the World Cup towards the generation of viable economic and business opportunities which will provide a sustainable, real economic return."
  
Sacci said South Africans must now unite to protract the positive sentiment generated over the past month.

- Sapa