Michael Lawrence Executive DirectorNational Clothing Retail Federation

Michael Lawrence is the Executive Director of the National Clothing Retail Federation of South Africa – the largest associative collective, in corporate size, of clothing retailers on the continent of Africa. Currently Michael serves at Business Unity South Africa (BUSA) – the apex business body – as, inter alia, the Deputy Chair of the Economic Policy Committee; as the lead member on Trade issues; and as a BUSA delegate to the SADC Business Council. In his roles as a TRALAC Associate and participant in WTO Ministerial conferences on behalf of business, Michael has acquired a breadth of understanding of issues that result in him being asked to participate at national, regional, continental and international events addressing the Trade issues of the day. Michael has a passionate belief that Trade architecture is necessary but must be based in pragmatism and support sustainable commercial and economic growth resulting in jobs and societal upliftment.