5 November 2007
Since arriving in Abu Dhabi on Sunday, 4 November 2007, the MEC for Economic
Development, Environment and Tourism Mr C Chabane has been hard at work forging
all round economic ties between Limpopo and Abu Dhabi, a city state in the
United Arab Emirate. He positioned the province as a "prime hunting ground" for
those seeking sustainable investment opportunities. Yes, literally, the
province is also ideal for those who indulge in hunting as a sport.
Addressing the Abu Dhabu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ADCCI) seminar,
the MEC explained his understanding of the mission as an attempt "to build
bridges and stronger economic ties between the people of Limpopo and Abu Dhabi.
These relationships," he said, "can only be of value to our people if it is
translated into business ties that could contribute to the economic growth in
both Limpopo and Abu Dhabi.
"We are here to seek meaningful partnerships that will yield investments
into Limpopo. We need partners and investors who can join us in exploiting the
province's natural resources maximally for the benefit of all. I therefore
extend an invitation to you, ADCCI, to visit the province and explore galore
investment opportunities Limpopo is offering. I believe both of us have the
collective knowledge, expertise and skills that can benefit us if we get into a
partnership. And as a by-the-way point, we're the prime hunting ground of the
country."
The MEC further indicated that there were attractive investment
opportunities arising from the 2010 Fifa World Cup that South Africa is
hosting. "In our province, for example, we are developing and expanding our
airport to a world class standard, we are about to embark on the construction
of the convention centre, with a hotel as an offshoot, and we plan to establish
a regional fresh produce market." The chamber's first Vice President, who
chaired the seminar, committed them to inviting all their members on a mission
to South Africa early next year.
Part of the seminar involved Limpopo-based companies that formed part of the
delegation, meeting their counterparts seeking partnerships around attracting
investors for their growth, gaining market access into the United Arab Emirate
(UAE), gaining and sharing global business ideas and skills. The companies
included the Polokwane-based K and G Jewellery Manufacturing, Tzaneen-based
Peppadew International and Rasele Minerals and Energy. Also in attendance from
the province, was Gilbert Mosena, the deputy secretary of the National African
Federated Chamber of Commerce (Nafcoc).
From the seminar, the MEC proceeded to a meeting with the Head of Department
(HOD) and top management of Abu Dhabi's Department of Planning and Economy
which promotes Abu Dhabi as in ideal city for investment and tourism and
focuses on such strategic sectors as real estate, oil and gas, tourism,
logistics, manufacturing and environment in which it looks at developing
alternative sources of energy.
The last point got the attention of MEC Chabane as he commented: "It is
heartening for me as the custodian of environment in Limpopo to learn that even
countries that have traditional sources of crude oil are exploring
alternatives.
The MEC further suggested that his department and its counterpart needed to
develop a formal framework for business interaction. "We should make it
possible for our business people to form partnerships that will benefit both
sides of the Indian Ocean. It should be about sharing information, skills,
expertise and investing in each other's economies."
Honourable Chabane emphasised that any investment in Limpopo was sustainable
and profitable as demand in the province always outweighed supply. The
management of the host department accepted the MEC proposals and committed them
to making follow-ups with his department by concretising and formalising
relations between the two and to start implementing them. The MEC will leave
Abu Dhabi tomorrow, Tuesday, morning with the Limpopo delegation for a whistle
stop in Dubai where they will have two meetings before proceeding to Kuwait in
the evening. Before returning home on 11 November, the delegation will also
have similar meetings in Qatar.
For more information:
Saul Molobi
General Manager Marketing and Communications
Cell: 083 701 3949
E-mail: saul@til.co.za
Issued by: Department Economic Development, Environment and Tourism, Limpopo
Provincial Government
5 November 2007
Source: Limpopo Provincial Government (http://www.limpopo.gov.za)
