relations
8 July 2007
Tokyo: KwaZulu-Natal Premier Sibusiso Ndebele has reconfirmed
KwaZulu-Natal's commitment to the relationship between the province and Japan.
Speaking at a dinner hosted by South Africa's Ambassador to Japan, Dr Ben
Ngubane, at the Ambassador's residence in Tokyo Japan on Friday, 6 July 2007,
Ndebele said: "During this visit to Japan, we reconfirm our commitment to the
relationship between our two countries as represented by the province of
KwaZulu-Natal and the relevant prefectures (provinces) in Japan. We have no
doubt that Japan will discover that coming to KwaZulu-Natal also opens the way
to the rest of Africa, as KwaZulu-Natal is the gateway to South Africa and
Africa."
At least 200 people attended the dinner including Japanese representatives
from government, business, academic institutions and civil society. Premier
Ndebele is presently in Japan leading a KwaZulu-Natal delegation on a study
tour of Japan and is supported by KZN MEC for Agriculture and Environmental
Affairs Mr Mtholephi Mthimkhulu. The main objectives of the visit is to
strengthen economic ties, study Japan's waste management and tea production
initiatives as well as promote co-operation in areas of joint interest between
KwaZulu-Natal and certain prefectures in Japan.
"One of the reasons KwaZulu-Natal had set its sights on Japan is to help
improve our tea production in the province in order to meet international
standards. Despite its potential, tea production in KwaZulu-Natal has not
reached the desired levels. We have projects such as Ntingwe Tea, Paddock Tea
and Ngome Tea Farms and our co-operation with Japan will help improve their
production capacity," said Premier Ndebele.
The Premier said that the significant role that Japan is playing in the
global arena today is unquestionable. "However, the focus of Japan in
furthering the Africa Agenda since 1993 through the Tokyo International
Conference on African Development (TICAD) is also significant," Premier Ndebele
said.
"Not only has Japan provided assistance in the elections in the Democratic
Republic of Congo (DRC) and the training of the DRC police force, but
significantly for us, Japanese support to South Africa as a gateway to the rest
of Africa is important. As a result, both countries are exploring tripartite
co-operation on specific projects as the new frontier for co-operation between
South Africa and Japan," said Premier Ndebele.
The Premier said that the fact that Japan boasts the second largest economy
in the world enjoys a trade balance that indicates strong annualised growth and
its particular focus on science and technology makes Japan a strategic partner.
Premier Ndebele went on to briefly explain how much KwaZulu-Natal has to offer.
"Not only are we one of the most vibrant provinces with natural beauty and a
rich and diverse cultural heritage, but we have a solid and well-planned path
toward the future."
"In spite of tremendous challenges, we are well on track towards achieving
the 2014 Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) which includes, amongst others,
access to basic services such as water, sanitation and electricity. This,
together with a focus on food security through the agrarian revolution, is the
first step in improving the quality of life of our people," Premier Ndebele
said.
"KwaZulu-Natal is now the second strongest economic performer in South
Africa. Therefore, of particular significance for us is the doubling of export
volume at the Toyota South Africa Motor Plant in Durban to 220 000 units (Hilux
and Corolla) in 2007. As a consequence, Toyota Motor Corporation and their
affiliated automotive supplier companies in South Africa have seen it fit to
expand and introduce new investments. "Our tourism industry consistently
retains its number one status as South Africa's leading domestic and
international tourism destination. Indeed, we have become the Mecca for
international conferences and sporting events such as the A1 Grand Prix," said
Premier Ndebele.
The Premier outlined some of the key projects that will be completed in the
province in the coming months. "In this financial year we have announced an
investment of close to R8 billion for key projects in the province. This is the
single largest investment made by government at any time in the history of our
province. "This includes the building of the R2,2 billion soccer stadium in
Durban that will host one of the 2010 Soccer World Cup semi-finals and the R6,8
billion Dube TradePort, which will consist of an international airport and a
world-class integrated logistics platform for the import or export of cargo.
Direct flights from KwaZulu-Natal to most overseas countries have now become a
reality," Premier Ndebele said.
The Premier said: "To make this vision work, we need to adopt best
practices; we need to apply science and technology. We need to learn from our
partners in development. That is why we are here. "We can learn from the
massive expansion of exports by Japan. We can learn from the commitment to hard
work and enterprise that is currently driving the economy of Japan. The
efficient working culture based on notions such as Keisan must be
encouraged."
"We also admire Japan's best practice in respect of the management of world
heritage sites and a partnership between our St Lucia Wetlands and Shirotake in
Hokkaido could be considered. We can learn from the city of Kitakyushu about
environmental management, notably mitigating pollution. We can partner with
Japan's International Co-operation Agency (JICA) for collaboration on poverty
alleviation and skills development. Of interest to us in this area is the
One-Village-One-Product Initiative," said Premier Ndebele.
The Premier said that the volume of trade between KwaZulu-Natal and the rest
of Africa is growing at a vibrant rate. "Investors and exporters within
KwaZulu-Natal have taken advantage of South Africa's preferential trade
arrangement with the European Union (EU) and the United States of America
(USA). Now we are trying to concretise our business and trade relations with
Japan. "This visit will set the path toward a shared vision and building Africa
through the gateway called KwaZulu-Natal. We look forward to a long and
beneficial relationship between Japan and KwaZulu-Natal," concluded Premier
Ndebele.
Enquiries:
Logan Maistry
Premier's Spokesperson
Cell: 083 644 4050
E-mail: maistryl@premier.kzntl.gov.za
Issued by: Office of the Premier, KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government
8 July 2007
