By Anita Dangazele
The Chinese city of Zhuhai signed a statement of intent on Tuesday to invest in the Nelson Mandela Bay municipality.
The metro’s executive mayor, Gary van Niekerk, said the agreement between the two cities resulted from his recent visit to China with Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane.
“I am thrilled that we are embarking on this journey of collaboration with Zhuhai,” he said. “This partnership represents a significant step towards enhancing our international relations and creating opportunities for our communities.
“By working together, we can share knowledge, drive economic growth, and promote cultural understanding. I am confident that this cooperation will bring about positive changes and strengthen the bonds between our cities.”
He said the finer details of the agreement would be announced later.
Van Niekerk said the two cities agreed to collaborate to strengthen economic ties and industrial collaboration, creating job opportunities and boosting economic growth, enhancing port operations, and promoting tourism.
A week ago, Mabuyane and delegates from different sectors of the province visited three Chinese provinces, including the country’s third-largest province, Zhejiang.
The agreement aims to lure big Chinese car manufacturers to the province.
The Coega Industrial Zone in Gqeberha is already home to two Chinese car manufacturers, BAIC and FAW, creating hundreds of jobs for the region.
Pictured above: Nelson Mandela Bay mayor Gary van Niekerk and Yang Chuan, executive vice mayor of Zhuhai municipal government, signing an agreement on Tuesday at Gqeberha City Hall.
Source: Anita Dangazele
