Western Cape MEC of Finance, Dr Ivan Meyer and MEC of Economic Opportunities Alan Winde are attending the Regional leaders Summit in Atlanta, Georgia, in the US.
MEC Meyer yesterday (3 June 2014) signed a co-operation agreement with the State of Georgia which will see the Western Cape and the State of Georgia working together to unlock trade and investment between the two regions.
According to Meyer, the agreement marks the formalization of the relationship between the Western Cape and Georgia. This gives effect to one of the key objectives of the Western Cape’s International Relations strategy which is to facilitate trade tourism and attract strategic investment to the Western Cape to stimulate economic growth and jobs thus reducing poverty.
Commenting on the signing of the cooperation agreement MEC Winde said: “Georgia is the events and logistical hub of the US. The areas of co-operation which are agriculture, tourism, trade and investment and renewable energy will certainly strengthen our hand in positioning Cape Town and the Western Cape as the Gateway to Africa. The events economy is an important revenue driver. In the 2012/13 financial year, major events generated R1.3 billion for the provincial economy and attracted 196 600 tourists.”
Winde and Meyer were accompanied by Janine Myburgh, the President of the Cape Business Chamber. The delegation met with representatives of the SA-Atlanta Business Chamber to discuss prioritising the implementation of the agreement between the two regions.
Speaking on the importance of the agreement, Winde said: “Government’s responsibility is to create the environment for economic growth by facilitating a process that makes it easier to do business in the Western Cape. This agreement is an example of how it can be done.”
For media queries:
Bronwynne Jooste
Spokesperson for MEC Alan Winde
Tel: 021 483 3550
Cell: 082 454 4365
Email: bronwynne.jooste@westerncape.gov.za
