Relations between North West and Gyeosangbuk restored
Trade and investment in the areas of agriculture, tourism and mining are some of the opportunities Premier Prof. Job Mokgoro of the North West and Vice Governor Cheol-Woo Lee of the Gyeosangbuk-do Provincial Government in South Korea reflected on during their meeting which was held this past weekend at Royal Marang Hotel in Phokeng near Rustenburg.
The South Korean delegation which comprised of senior government officials and business people, visited the North West Province as part of their effort to renew relations between the two provinces.
The Vice Governor of the Province of Gyeosangbuk-do last visited the North West Province in 2008, this as part of the relationship that was established in 1998 between the two provinces.
Premier Mokgoro who was accompanied by the Head of Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism Mr Lufuno Tshikovhi and the North West Development Corporation (NWDC) senior officials, said the key focus of their discussion was economic growth and development, this in line with the first priority of the 6th administration.
“We talked about the North West Province’s economic potential in the agriculture, tourism and mining sectors, as well as the enormous potential for beneficiation and manufacturing around the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Bojanala Platinum District. We also envisage an opportunity for our young people to participate in and master the tools of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, this as part of addressing the huge unemployment rate amongst the youth”.
Vice Governor Cheol-Woo Lee told the meeting that South Korea is strong in areas of renewable energy and that they believe the two provinces will derive value and benefits from the identified trade and investment opportunities.
Premier Mokgoro said the North West Province looks forward to reactivating the Memorandum of Understanding which was entered into between these two provinces a few years ago, emphasising the need to turn all ideas into practical results. Premier Mokgoro welcomed the invitation by the Vice Governor for the North West delegation to visit South Korea’s Gyeosangbuk-do Provincial Government, this as part of taking their trade and investment discussions to the next level.
Enquiries: Bonolo Mohlakoana
Directorate: Media Relations
Cell: 082 901 2435
E-mail: bmohlakoana@nwpg.gov.za
