Chinese consul-general, premier meet to strengthen twinning agreement
Chinese consul-general You Wenze met premier Oscar Mabuyane in Bhisho on Wednesday to strengthen the twinning agreement between the Eastern Cape and the Asian country’s Zhejiang province.
Mabuyane said the agreement had created a platform for co-operation in the trade and economic spheres, exchanges in the field of science and technology, and co-operation on sport and culture, health and education.
“As a result of our twinning agreement, we have made progress in co-operation areas which include promotion of market access for Eastern Cape products, exchange of high-level visits, youth creativity forum, business-to-business engagements, local government cooperation and reciprocal exchange of solidarity and mutual support during the Covid-19 pandemic,” Mabuyane said.
He said the province was honoured to host Wenze on his brief visit as China and SA celebrated the 25th anniversary of diplomatic relations.
“We will never forget the humanitarian aid and spirit of solidarity we received from
Zhejiang province at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic in our province,” he said.
“It is this kind of co-operation and caring which makes the People’s Republic of China a dependable ally for development.
“We want to work with you, Hon Wenze, to explore mutual opportunities for economic growth as we rebuild our economy after the Covid19 pandemic to create jobs for our people.
“I will ask my investment promotion team to present to you our investment book and promotional video so that you can be our voice to Chinese investors.
“That investment book will give you insights into the abundant opportunities we have in the Eastern Cape in areas of energy, manufacturing, agriculture, tourism and ICT.”
He said the provincial government was looking forward to the visit of President Xi Jinping to the Brics summit in SA, which is expected to be held in August.
“That summit is crucial because the Brics block is a formidable force to change the global economic landscape if our leaders take courageous decisions.” Wenze said his meeting with Mabuyane had gone well.
“We had an in-depth discussion about expanding our cooperation between China and the Eastern Cape,” he said.
“This is my first visit to the Eastern Cape. This province is so beautiful with natural scenery. Its people are so kind.
“I have a good impression of this province and I look forward to coming here again.”
Mabuyane said a more formal meeting would be arranged that should include investors from Chinese companies.
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