Understanding (MoU) with the Fujian province in the People's Republic of
China
14 December 2006
China: The KwaZulu-Natal Premier, S'bu Ndebele, yesterday signed a MoU with
the Fujian province in the People's Republic of China, to foster relations in
the fields of arts, culture, heritage, tourism, sport and sport development,
business, information technology and investment.
Huang Xiaojing, Governor of the People's Government of the Fujian province,
signed the historic agreement with Premier Ndebele. The function was attended
by members of the Fujian Government and officials from the KwaZulu-Natal
Provincial Government including MEC for Agriculture and Environment Affairs,
Mtholephi Mthimkulu, and National Assembly (NA) MP, Dr Charlie Huang.
The agreement follows a Letter of Intent signed between the two provinces in
2004 after which the two provinces started sharing technical exchanges in the
field of science and technology, particularly agriculture.
The result of this has been the successful Juncao mushroom project which is
undergoing testing at seven sites across KwaZulu-Natal, and has shown
remarkable adaptation ability. It is now ready to be taken into realistic field
trial stage.
In terms of the MoU, co-operation will occur in the fields of arts and
culture, tourism, among others, and the continued co-operation in respect of
Juncao and the Dryland Rice project is renewed for a further three years from
July 2007 to July 2010.
The agreement also makes reference that the Fujian Agriculture and Forestry
University will impart its patented technique Juncao Linzhi (Ganodema Lucidum)
to support the research on HIV and AIDS.
In his address, Premier Ndebele said KwaZulu-Natal was cementing relations
with its friends in the Fujian province.
"We have vision but we need science and technology to make that vision work.
We came here to learn how to fight poverty; China is the right partner. This is
proven by the celebrity status that China has reached."
He said the trial runs on the mushrooms spearheaded by Professor Lin and his
team from the Fujian University was successful and applauded. Several students
studying have also spent time with Professor Lin in China learning more about
the cultivation of mushrooms.
Premier Ndebele added, "The single bag of carefully selected cult of Dryland
Rice brought to KwaZulu-Natal has now proven to be a sustainable crop that
presents multi-harvesting abilities."
"Most importantly the project is teaching our people to stand up and walk.
With more than 60 co-operatives established, our people are moving from
dependency to self sustenance and from self sustenance to self employment."
During the visit, the Vice Mayor of Nanping, Lin Zhongle, announced that
Nanping has agreed to provide technical assistance to KwaZulu-Natal pig farming
and overall animal husbandry.
At present South Africa is importing more than 60 percent of pigs and the
products made from pork. These experts from animal husbandry in Nanping will
assist KwaZulu-Natal and the country's depleting pig supply using innovative
technology and scientific methods for preserving and enhancing the supply of
pigs.
Enquiries:
Farhana Ismail
Cell: 082 889 1278
Issued by: Office of the Premier, KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government
14 December 2006
Source: SAPA
