of co-operation
4 July 2007
Gauteng Premier Mbhazima Shilowa and the President of France's Ile-de-France
region, Jean-Paul Huchon, have signed a co-operation agreement strengthening
their bonds of friendship and co-operation.
The agreement was signed after meetings between the Gauteng and Ile de
France delegations lead by Shilowa and Huchon to review progress in
implementing an agreement signed in 2001 and to identify areas of further
collaboration.
According to the new agreement, the co-operation between Gauteng and
Ile-de-France is aimed at promoting the development of the two regions. This
takes into account Gauteng's priorities to promote economic growth and job
creation, build Gauteng as a globally competitive city region and strengthen
the capacity of the state as well as Ile de France's commitment to
decentralised co-operation, mutually advantageous economic development and
sustainable development.
Key areas of co-operation and exchange will include the following:
* sports, arts and culture, including major international sporting events
such as rugby and cycle tours, street carnivals and the design and development
of crafts
* tourism promotion and preparations for the 2010 Federation International
Football Association (Fifa) World Cup, including the welcoming of international
delegations, safety and security, marketing and branding and French language
courses
* transport, including integrated transport infrastructure, transport
authorities and metro policing
* economic development including research and systems of innovation, promoting
the film production sector, small medium and micro enterprise (SMME)development
and the promotion of clusters
* education and professional training including further support for the
Sci-Bono Discovery Centre, skills transfer and knowledge sharing with the
Ekurhuleni West Further Education Training (FET) College including the Tembisa
Campus automotive programme, on the job training and the promotion of gender
equity and gender mainstreaming
* health services including HIV and AIDS prevention and behaviour change
strategies, medical research and training for nurses
* environmental affairs, including air pollution measurement.
President Huchon welcomed the signing of the new agreement and said Ile de
France's experience was not that different from Gauteng. "We are happy to
discover new programmes and we want to learn from our partners. Some of the
problems in Gauteng are the same as in Paris, like crime, security and
transport, and we can learn from the Gauteng experience. We want to increase
contact with South Africa," said Huchon.
A joint committee from the two regions will develop a programme of action to
implement the agreement, which will be monitored by the executives of Ile de
France and Gauteng.
During their stay, the French delegation visited the Sci-Bono Discovery
Centre in Newtown to open a new exhibition called 'Me Games.'
In co-operation with the Gauteng Department of Education, the exhibition was
constructed by Sci-Bono designs provided by La Cite des Sciences and de
I'Industrie in Paris, one of the world's foremost science centres.
The Ile de France delegation also attended an AIDS Consortium graduation
ceremony held by the Gauteng Department of Health. Members of non-government
organisations graduated after completing courses in capacity building,
governance, project management and financial management with the AIDS
Consortium.
The Ile-de-France has Paris as its centre and is the most populated region
in France, boasting a high skills profile, efficient public transport and an
excellent telecommunications network.
Enquiries:
Annette Griessel
Tel: 011 355 6859
Cell: 082 563 3614
Issued by: Office of the Premier, Gauteng Provincial Government
4 July 2007
