The meeting which was initiated by Beijing Bureau of Agriculture was attended by amongst others, presidents of agricultural unions in the North West, namely Agri NW and National African Farmers Union (NAFU) and designated departmental officials.
Outlining the purpose of the meeting, Mr Zheng Yu said his organisation wants to understand the types of agricultural and forestry activities taking place in the North West Province, with the intention to establish sustainable partnership.
After an extensive briefing on the management of nature resources in the North West, the meeting identified areas of common interest which included, water conservation, waste management, forestry, soil management, trade of maize, aquaculture, research methodologies, agricultural value-adding technologies and possible collaboration on youth development programmes.
Expressing his contentment over the discussion, MEC Boitumelo Tshwene said the first phase of putting this initiative into practice will be preceded by the development of a business plan on this possible partnership by the end of September this year.
“I will take it upon myself to ensure that all stakeholders are taken on board on this initiative and that protocol is observed in carrying out the outcomes of this meeting,” committed MEC Tshwene.
