Workshop to align economic transformation
'This will help the KZN government to speak in one voice on economic transformation and prepare for a summit at the beginning of next year,' said MEC Sihle Zikalala
THE Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs is holding a workshop in Pietermaritzburg today (Thursday) to align the implementation of radical economic transformation in the province.
The workshop will be attended by all mayors, councillors, MECs, HODs and government agencies.
‘This will help the KZN government to speak in one voice on economic transformation and prepare for a summit at the beginning of next year,’ said MEC Sihle Zikalala.
He addressed the KZN Legislature on Tuesday on stimulating the province’s economy, outlining missions undertaken to attract investment.
These included visits to China and Russia.
One of the purposes of the mission to China was to discuss progress of the Guangdong/KwaZulu-Natal cooperation agreement.
An agreement was reached with the industrial city of Dongguan to establish a permanent display centre by the end of 2019 where KZN products for the Chinese market will be exhibited.
The trade mission to the Russia Federation was part of a joint approach in coordinating and accelerating trade and investment with the BRICs bloc (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa).
Engagements yielded a number of results, including orders being placed with Insa (Pty) Ltd, a local stainless steel cookware manufacturer based in KwaDukuza Municipality to supply the Russian market.
Zikalala said a number of conglomerates in the province have also pledged to expand their investments.
‘Among these, SAPPI committed R7.7-billion, Toyota, as part of the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of SA, committed R40-billion, Sumitomo Rubber R1-billion and Mondi R8-billion.
‘These investments are already at commencement stages and will be implemented over the next five years.
‘We are committed to creating an environment conducive to business and investment,’ said Zikalala.
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