BY REGINALD KANYANE
North West province premier, Supra Mahumapelo and Vice- Governor Li Ya of Henan province in the People’s Republic of China have agreed to explore possibilities for future cooperation in the field of agriculture, culture, tourism and mining.
Acting provincial government spokesperson, Brian Setswambung said the co-operation between the two provinces will also focus on development programmes such as the Mahikeng Rebranding, Repositioning and Renewal projects, establishment of cooperatives in rural areas, education and cultural heritage exchange programmes as well as comprehensive transport systems.
“A strategic partnership in the development of North West Province’s villages, townships and small dorpies will also be forged, this with a view to enable rural communities to contribute towards the Province’s economic growth.
“This was confirmed by both Premier Mahumapelo and Vice-Governor Li Ya, after a meeting the two leaders held earlier today, Friday in Mahikeng.” Setswambung said.
Vice-Governor Li Ya who visited the North West province on a 3-day trade and investment mission, said more business people from China will as part of this working relationship, visit the province in future to further explore invest opportunities.
“With the support and participation of people in the two Provinces, the seed of relationship that has been planted will certainly blossom and benefit all of us. What we have started is a process that seeks to achieve a win-win situation”, said Vice Governor Li Ya who also extended an invitation to the North West Province to visit Henan province in 2016 as part of implementing the working relations between the two provinces.
Business people were also invited for a China Investment Affair which Vice-Governor Li Ya said is a major activity for business people in their province.
Addressing a business seminar which was attended by the local and Chinese business people, Mahumapelo said the Provincial Government will through the North West Development Corporation (NWDC) work with the Henan province to ensure that investors are attracted.
“We welcome the expression of interest by the Henan province to forge strong ties with us, this by carrying out more practical ways to achieving our economic development goals. Critical to us is the exploration of investment opportunities which we remain positive that the local business people will grab with two hands,” Mahumapelo said.
Vice Governor Li Ya and his delegation which included Consul General of the Chinese Embassy Yansong, members of the China Africa Business Development Association, China Africa institute for Economic Development (CAIED) and Central China Business Association for Southern Africa (CCBASA) were in Mahikeng since Wednesday following the declaration of 2015 as a Year of China in South Africa by Presidents Zuma and Xi.
The initiative seeks to boost economic, social and political relations between the two countries.
Among the highlights of the Year of China in South Africa – North West Province Week were the dancing and performances by Chinese cultural groups, the Business Seminar and the Kung Fu clinics, which those in attendance highly praised.
These activities were held at the Mmabatho Convention Centre and Mmabana Arts and Culture Foundation, respectively.
-TDN
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