Exchange agreement strengthens partnership

The Sarah Baartman District Municipality (SBDM) welcomed a delegation from Jingcheng Municipality, China, as they arrived at Dawid Stuurman International Airport on 27 March. Led by SBDM

Mayor Deon de Vos, the delegation was set to spend their visit from 28 to 29 March, in Addo, solidifying the partnership between the two regions.

The objective of the visit was to fortify the ties between the two municipaliies through signing a formal partnership agreement to establish a friendly exchange relationship. This relationship seeks to foster cooperation and facilitate close contact and exchanges that will contribute to the development and benefit of citizens on both sides.

SBDM communication officer Natasha Peterson said that, in line with this agreement, both parties will conduct high-level visits to promote practical cooperation in various areas. These include but are not limited to investment, trade, education, culture, tourism, energy, infrastructure development, agriculture, and agri-processing. The municipal governments of both sides will actively encourage enterprises from their respective regions to engage with each other and promote multifield cooperation.

As part of this collaboration, local businesses Tollie's African Safaris Pty Ltd from Somerset East and Pabala Nature Reserve Pty Ltd from Hankey have signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with Taihang Yunding Culture and Tourism Development Co Ltd in China.

These MoUs aim to bolster tourism promotion and economic growth in the regions.