KwaZulu-Natal Premier Dr Zweli Mkhize has expressed his appreciation to the national government for choosing KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) as the host of the BRICS Summit. He was speaking today during the launch of the BRICS Summit Public Awareness Roadshow at Moses Mabhida Stadium.
The launch was attended National Minister of International Relations and Co operations Ms Maite Nkoane-Mashabane, Provincial Cabinet, captains of industry, diplomats from the BRICS nation, captains of industry, CEOs of public entities, mayors and leaders of political parties.
“In essence, BRICS Summit serves as a platform on which synergies between the economy of KZN and economies of member nations will be strengthened. We want to promote KZN as a destination for foreign direct investment.”
“As the undisputed gateway into the rest of Africa and other continents, we believe that we can use the province of KwaZulu-Natal not only for its own benefit, but for the benefit of other provinces as well as countries within the region.”
“With the two harbours, Richards Bay and Durban, within our province’s boundaries as well as the state-of-the-art Dube Trade Port which boasts an agri-zone, a cyber-port, a cargo terminal as well as the King Shaka International Airport, we appreciate that we can create win-win partnerships for our sister countries in our region.”
“BRICS Summit has undoubtedly boosted the province’s standing internationally and has boasted our marketing activities.”
“There will be thousand hours of broadcast feed that will include images of our province as well as in all its diversity which will be shown to billions of people globally.”
“We have developed a Business/Tourism Hosting Programme with an aim of showcasing the most distinct features of KZN to the world. The programme will enable delegates to explore all our unique flora and fauna, especially our game parks and World Heritage Sites some of which are home to the big five – the rhinoceros, lion, African elephant, leopard and Cape buffalo.”
“Tourism remains a very important sector and KwaZulu-Natal is the third destination of choice for international tourists. We have identified tourism as one key priority for stimulating KZN economic growth and job creation. It contributes 10% to the gross domestic product of the province.”
“A new Provincial Tourism Master Plan was approved by the Cabinet with a target to increase tourism jobs to 180 000 by 2020 and the number of domestic arrivals to 24, 17-million by 2030. We are determined to market KZN and Durban in particular as an African city of choice for business, leisure and holiday homes.”
“I therefore take this opportunity to invite you to sell this province as an investment destination. You must invite potential investors to explore investment possibilities in this beautiful province.”
“We thank the Minister for joining us today as we launch the BRICS Summit Public Awareness Roadshow. This will ensure that the people of this province are ready to welcome our delegates and make them feel at home away from home.”
“I have no doubt that our visitors will have a pleasant stay in our beautiful province. The warmth and friendly smiles which will be displayed by our people will convince all the delegates to consider KZN as a holiday destination in the future.”
