KwaZulu-Natal strengthens economic relations with the State of Maryland in the USA
The KwaZulu-Natal high-powered delegation has arrived in Baltimore City, Maryland in the United States of America. The delegation is led by Premier Senzo Mchunu and has held a series of meetings on economic cooperation. In this mission, Mchunu is accompanied by Michael Mabuyakhulu, MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Ntombikayise Sibhidla-Saphetha, MEC for Arts and Culture, Director-General of the province, Nhlanhla Ngidi, and Transnet’s Durban Port Manager, Moshe Motlohi.
Today the delegation held meetings with the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development, which focused on how to grow further on trade already taking place with South Africa. Opportunities in biotechnology were highlighted as potential key growth area that KwaZulu-Natal must look into very closely. The delegation also met with Maryland Port Authority and two of the biggest privately owned port operators to explore potential areas of collaboration with established and emerging KZN operators.
The delegation also met with the Maryland Tourism, Film and the Arts where it learned of how the State of Maryland has positioned the arts to advance economic development, education and quality of life.
The last meeting was with the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development where the delegation learned of experiences and models developed by the state in dealing with sustainable human settlements.
The State of Maryland boasts the best institutions like the Johns Hopkins University and the University of Maryland. Research and Development is in the heart of Maryland’s economy.
Mchunu said, “I am impressed by the level of education in Maryland and the amount of PhD’s they produce. Linking research, incubation and new enterprises is the best innovation in asserting competitiveness of the this state.”
“This visit certainly takes our province and its potential for growth to another level. It is interesting how the State of Maryland has used its port as a driver for job creation. From what we have heard today, there is room for cooperation at a strategic programme design as we grow our blue economy.” said Mchunu.
The MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Michael Mabuyakhulu concurred with the Premier saying that the partnership presented a unique opportunity for forging of symbiotic relationships between the State of Maryland and KwaZulu-Natal.
“There exist ample opportunities for us to work together, particularly as we look to further bolster our investment and trade. We would like to see more emerging entrepreneurs from KwaZulu-Natal benefit from this sister city initiative,” he said.
The MEC for Arts, Culture, Sport and Recreation, Ntombikayise Sabhidla- Saphetha said she looked forward to the cross cultural aspects of the twinning arrangement.
“The State of Maryland’s Heritage Areas programme presents an opportunity for us to work together in the fields of promoting the arts and also encourage the promotion of place based experiences for visitors and residents alike,” she said.
“There are a number of strategic issues we need to engage further with the State of Maryland particularly in the area of knowledge economy in order to integrate with the port users. If we leverage on knowledge economy, we will be able to create more jobs on the upstream and in supply chain.” Motlohi said.
Enquiries:
Mr Thami Ngwenya
Head: Provincial Government Communication
Office of the Premier
Cell: 060 572 9881
