BCM all fired up to host Brics forum

BUFFALO City Metro is moving fast to get ready for the Brics’ friendship cities and local government forum next month.

BCM executive mayor Xola Pakati on Sunday said the city had set up a steering committee which is chaired by portfolio head for the infrastructure and engineering, councillor Ncedo Kumbaca.

South Africa will host July’s big annual Brics (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) summit in Johannesburg, but Buffalo City Metro is also preparing to host the smaller Brics local government forum next month.

The forum, which is made up of the Brics cities, will look at key issues of urbanisation, said Pakati.

Hosting the event was a milestone for the city and would provide great exposure.

The event was an opportunity for local business to interact with international traders and explore chances of a working relationship.

“Forums like these must be used to create a platform for locals to access the international world without having to travel miles.

“We encourage our people to attend so they can initiate their own relationships with the Brics cities and the representatives who will be here,” he said yesterday.

The city estimates it will host more than 200 Brics delegates and some national ministers.

The forum is on from June 28 to July 1.

Pakati said BCM had been involved in a number of partnerships with China, and will now engage with other countries and their cities on a number of issues that the city hopes to improve on. These will include re-industrialisation, green energy, waste management, urban transportation, building infrastructure, disaster management, urbanisation management, as well as building of safer cities.