Degree to be a world first
A MEMORANDUM of understanding has been signed between the Hebei Geo University, the Sol Plaatje University and the Kimberley International Diamond and Jewellery Academy (KIDJA) for the creation of the first bachelor’s degree in the world on diamond and jewellery development.
This was announced yesterday during a press conference following the return of members of the Northern Cape provincial government, under the leadership of the MEC for Finance and Economic Development, Mac Jack, from a trade and investment promotion mission to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Dubai and the People’s Republic of China.
The mission to the UAE was on invitation from HH Sheikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, to attend the Annual Investment Meeting from April 8 to 11.
The delegation included the MECs for Agriculture, Roads and Public Works, Transport, Safety and Liaison and Sport, Arts and Culture, as well as senior government officials and provincial agencies, such as (KIDJA), the Kimberley Diamond and Jewellery Incubator (KIDJI) and the Northern Cape Economic Development Agency.
According to Jack, the Annual Investment Meeting took the form of an investment conference and trade exhibition.
“From the interactions we had with the prospective investors, it was clear that they need political stability, clear investment laws and certainties, while the regulatory framework must be stable and there is a need for a visionary government. There is also a need to address corruption and business compliance must be easy and streamlined.”
Parallel to the conference, the Northern Cape Department of Economic Development and Tourism (DEDAT) and NCEDA also had one-onone meetings with potential investors, such as Mubadala and General Electric, with the focus on the Upington Special Economic Zone (SEZ).
Investors were also given a verbal presentation on the economy of the Province and investment opportunities.
“One of the highlights of the conference was a meeting with the Undersecretary of Foreign Trade for the Ministry of Economy of UAE, HE Abdulla A Al Saleh, where the investment opportunities in the Northern Cape were highlighted, particularly our high-impact projects such as the Upington SEZ and Boegoebaai Deep Port Harbour Development and the development opportunities for towns such as Colesberg and Postmasburg,” Jack said.
“The Undersecretary welcomed the presentation and agreed that there are various opportunities that the UAE would be interested in and the meeting concluded that information on the high-impact projects must be given to him so that a follow-up visit with the private sector in the UAE can be arranged.