"We need a skilled, professional civil service of young people who want to work hard," says one commentator.

Ample hope and the possibilities of a better economy remain in the hands of Eastern Cape residents as their province is rich with land and manufacturing activity, speakers at the Eastern Cape Economic Outlook Symposium 2010 said yesterday.

The event marked the launch of a report commissioned by the Eastern Cape department of economic development and environmental affairs as well as treasury, and was compiled by emerging economists in the predominately rural province.

In his video-recorded message to the delegates, Economic Development Minister Ebrahim Patel said the Eastern Cape was also affected by the global recession as many job losses were recorded in its local motor manufacturing plants.

He said it would be to the advantage of those leading crisis-hit companies to approach the Industrial Development Corporation for help.

In the last quarter of 2009, the IDC announced a R6-billion fund to help companies in distress.

He also urged manufacturers to participate in the anti-global warming initiatives as these had a direct impact on the economy.

"We all have to take part in the development of the green economy and manufacturers should work to reduce carbon emissions by producing more hybrid and electric cars.

"We would also like to see, as a start, the hybrid batteries being produced in South Africa, and in the Eastern Cape," the minister said.

Mcebisi Jonas, Eastern Cape's MEC for finance, economic development and environmental affairs, said one of the key findings of the report was that "while we cannot completely separate the Eastern Cape economy from the effects in the global economy, we can, by using our natural competitive advantages, ensure that we are better positioned to mitigate these effects."

Apart from economic growth prospects in 2010, the report said the province faced challenges such as underdevelopment, unemployment, high dependency ratios, high poverty levels and a skewed economic structure.

Chris Gilmore, board member of the Limpopo LED Resource Centre, said some attention should be geared towards reinforcing the public service.

"We need a skilled, professional civil service of young people who want to work hard and not get in and out of departments," he said.