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LIMPOPO FORGES REGIONAL ECONOMIC TIES
6 May 2008
In line with Limpopo’s strategic objective, as enshrined in the Provincial
Growth and Development Strategy (PGDS), Trade and Investment Limpopo (TIL) will
host a business delegation from the Kingdom of Swaziland from today, 6 May
2008, to Saturday, 10 May 2008. The delegation led by TIL’s counterpart, the
Swaziland Investment Promotion Authority (SIPA), will include a number of
prominent business leaders who will explore investment opportunities with their
counterpart in Limpopo.
Also to be included in the delegation will be Honourable Collins Chabane, MEC
for Limpopo’s Economic Development, Environment and Tourism, and his
Swaziland’s counterpart, His Excellency Mr Lutfo Dlamini, Minister for
Enterprises and Employment in Swaziland. The two political principals will
witness the signing ceremony between TIL and SIPA.
“On the other hand, the attendance of South Africa’s High Commissioner to the
Kingdom, His Excellency Dr Mxolisi Mabude, will give a national context to this
interaction between Limpopo and Swaziland, said Mr Julius Mapatha, the Chief
Executive (Acting) of TIL, who will be leading the Limpopo delegation. He will
be supported by Ms Jackee Shimbambu, HOD for Limpopo’s Economic Development,
Environment and Tourism.
The highlight of the visit will be the signing of the Memorandum of
Understanding (MoU) between the province and the Kingdom of Swaziland. “We are
proud to say that Limpopo is the first province to formalise their interaction
with the Kingdom hardly a month after President Thabo Mbeki and His Majesties
Mswati III and the Ndlovukazi reaffirmed their commitment to fast-tracking the
operationalisation of the Joint Bilateral Co-operation Commission which was
signed by the two countries in December 2004 in Swaziland,” says Mr Mapatha.
“We are provincialising this national cooperation pact.”
President Thabo Mbeki led a delegation to the Kingdom of Swaziland on 23-24
April 2008 at the invitation of His Majesty King Mswati III. The President and
his delegation met and held discussions with their counterparts during their
meeting at the Lozitha Royal Palace. The meeting was co-chaired by both
President Mbeki and His Majesty King Mswati III.
The presidential mission reviewed all aspects of relations between the two
neighbouring countries and underlined the need to further develop and deepen
bilateral, political, trade and economic spheres. The two leaders further
shared information and perspective on regional, multilateral and matters of
mutual interest.
“We’re using this space as created by both President Mbeki and King Mswati III,”
said Mr Mpatha, “to advance our socio-economic interests. We are expanding and
deepening such bilateral relations between our two countries.”
Tomorrow on Wednesday, 7 May 2008, Cllr. Thabo Makunyane, the Executive Mayor of
the City of Polokwane, will formally welcome the delegates at a Business
Seminar to be held at Bolivia Lodge in which business people from Limpopo and
Swaziland will explore trade and investment opportunities in both areas. Mr
Mapatha will make a presentation on bounds of investment possibilities that
Limpopo has, and his counterpart, Mr Phiwayinkosi Ginindza – CEO for Swaziland
Investment Promotion Authority) – will present on Swaziland. Members of
organized business such as AHI, FABCOS, NAFCOC and SACOB have been invited to
participate in the seminar.
Business leaders, who seek more information regarding this visit, should call Ms
Vicky Selemela of Trade and Investment Limpopo, at 015 295 5171.
Issued by: Saul Molobi
General Manager: Marketing & Communications Trade and Investment Limpopo
Tel: 015 295 5171
Mobile: 083 701 3949
e-mail: saul@til.co.za
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