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​Economic Hub

​Johannesburg is where the money is; where the deals are made. A fast-paced metropolis, it leads the country and is the first stop for any big-thinking businessman.

The economic powerhouse of South Africa, Johannesburg generates 17 percent of the country's gross domestic product, mostly through the manufacturing, retail and service industry sectors. Top global companies like MacDonald's, Zurich Re, Nokia, Toyota and Coca-Cola, to name a few, have their South African head offices in the city.

And with all the major banks and Africa's largest stock exchange - the Johannesburg Stock Exchange in Sandton - it is considered to be the seat of the financial sector in South Africa.

Retail is big in Joburg. As one of the least expensive cities in Africa, it is a favourite destination for retailers from sub-Saharan countries, particularly those from South Africa's neighbours. The city has a number of large retail precincts; the inner city business district and the Sandton City precinct are two of the biggest.

There are also emerging secondary markets in the townships of Soweto and Alexandra, and scattered wholesale retail hubs such as Woodmead, Midrand and Hillfox.

A modern information and communications technology infrastructure ensures that the growing business process outsourcing industry - for example, call centres - is globally competitive. A number of international call centres are located in Joburg.

The manufacturing sector ranges from technological equipment such as phones, computers and televisions. Furthermore,  furniture , clothing and cosmetics, all made or assembled in the metropolis. Heavier industries, making motor vehicle parts, equipment and engineering products, are found in the main industrial sectors in Industria and Booysens.

A large, fast-moving perishable goods industry is served by the Joburg Market, where fresh vegetables, fruit and even meat are traded daily.

All these products and services are reliant on Joburg's excellent road, rail and air network. The city is served by two major airports both within a stone's throw with an ability to accommodate international air transport - OR Tambo International in neighbouring Ekurhuleni and Lanseria in neighbouring Mogale City. A third airport, the Rand Airport, is also located in Ekurhuleni.

A world-class network of road and rail takes manufactured goods and products in and out of the city daily, and also connects the largest inland port in the country, Joburg's massive container depot in City Deep, with the rest of the country.

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