Pakati back on a positive note from trip to China
BCM may get to produce clothing for African market
CHINA and Buffalo City Metro discussed the possibility of manufacturing clothing in the metro for China’s African market, said mayor Xola Pakati when he and his five-strong delegation stepped off the plane from a trip to China yesterday.
He said the BCM delegation had spoken about the possibility of China running its clothing and manufacturing outfit for the African market from BCM.
Pakati said this project would be in addition to four new electronics factories expected to be established in the city later this year, in the process creating at least 400 new permanent jobs.
He said he had received a commitment from two different municipalities and their stakeholders in terms of trade relations.
Pakati spent two weeks in several cities in China as part of an exchange programme and an investment drive.
Accompanying him was a host of BCM officials which included mayoral committee member Ncedo Kumbaca, head of international relations Darby Gounden, general manager in Pakati’s office Sitembiso Khanyile, head of special projects Noludwe Ncokazi and head of growth strategy Andrew Murray.
“Chongqing municipality will visit next month in a reciprocal visit and to look at our systems,” Pakati said.
“Remember we had made a commitment to the citizens of Buffalo City Metro around reindustrialisation of the city, so we are pursuing companies that will come and invest here in our metro, particularly in the East London Industrial Development Zone.”
Pakati said key areas of focus included the automotive sector, ICT and agri-processing.
“Those are the three main areas that we’re focusing on,” he said.
“I’m sure we can all agree that all in all, it was a very fruitful visit.” —