ECONOMIC GROWTH in the Eastern Cape is set to accelerate rapidly, says professor Martheanne Finnemore, Dean of the Faculty of Economic and Building Sciences at the University of Port Elizabeth. Speaking at the annual meeting of the Port Elizabeth Regional Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Percci), Finnemore said “in my opinion, the increase in economic growth in the region will not be a gradual one. Rather, we are in fact at the start of an exponential growth curve that will take many of the sceptics by surprise and catch many people napping. The accelerated investment in our major tourist attractions, burgeoning auto industry, and new investments at Coega will all have major spin offs for smaller satellite businesses. Underpinned by solid education and training institutions, the fundamentals are all in place for a rapid take off. There is nothing as powerful as when a best-kept secret is no longer kept. By word of mouth from satisfied tourists and investors, good news spreads very fast indeed. Those that position themselves now on the sunny side of street, situated in aptly named Sunshine Coast, will be the first to see the benefit of their investment,” she said.