MEC to lead delegation to UAE, China

THE NORTHERN Cape MEC for Finance, Economic Development and Tourism, Mac Jack, will lead a delegation to the United Arab Emirates and the People’s Republic of China from April 9 to 18 on a mission to attract foreign investment.

Jack believes that the visits will assist the ailing provincial economy and address unemployment and poverty.

He will be accompanied by MECs from the economic cluster, senior government officials and officials from state-owned entities, namely the Northern Cape Economic Development, Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (Nceda), the Kimberley International Diamonds and Jewellery Academy (Kidja) and the Kimberley International Diamond and Jewellery Incubator (Kidji).

The trade and investment outbound mission to the UAE, Dubai will take place from April 9 to 11 to participate in the 8th annual investment meeting.

Spokesperson for the Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and Tourism, Zandisile Luphahla, said the team would promote the Northern Cape as an ideal trade and investment, cultural and tourism destination.

The delegation will also travel to China to visit Hebei Geo University from April 12 to 8.

Luphahla added that the Kidja and Kidji agreement would be signed at Hebei Geo University to foster a partnership for the implementation of mineral beneficiation in terms of diamond cutting and polishing and jewellery manufacturing.

“The MEC will also have meetings and discussions with the president of the Shanghai Diamond Exchange Centre to discuss a certification programme between the parties.

“There will be a signing of the strategic partnership agreement between one of Kidji’s incubate SMMEs and the Chinese investors.

“The team will also do presentations on the Northern Cape Economic Development Corridor and harbour project for the Chinese investors.”