Limpopo, Swaziland to improve trade co-operation

Julius Mapatha, acting Chief Executive of Trade and Investment Limpopo (TIL), will sign the MoU with the Swaziland Investment Promotion Authority (SIPA) on Wednesday, 7 May.

“We are proud to announce that Limpopo is the first province to formalise its interaction with the Kingdom,” said Mapatha.

The MoU will be signed barely a month after President Thabo Mbeki visited Swaziland's absolute monarch, King Mswati III, in April to reaffirm South Africa's commitment to a joint bilateral co-operation agreement that was signed by the two countries in December 2004.

“The presidential mission reviewed all aspects of relations between the two neighbouring countries and underlined the need to further develop and deepen [relations],” said TIL communications manager Saul Molobi.

Molobi said the Limpopo delegation will include MEC for the Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism, Collins Chabane, and head of the same department, Jackee Shimbambu.

The Swaziland delegation was formally welcomed by the Mayor of Polokwane, Thabo Makunyane, on Wednesday.

Mapatha and SIPA Chief Executive Officer Phiwayinkosi Ginindza will make presentations on investment possibilities that are available in their respective regions.

SIPA has brought along a number of prominent business people from Swaziland to explore investment opportunities in Limpopo.

The Swaziland delegation arrived in Polokwane on Tuesday and will stay until Saturday.

Local business leaders who want more information about this visit can call Vicky Selemela at TIL on (015) 295-5171.

Last month, President Thabo Mbeki had discussions with Swaziland's King Mswati III in an effort to strengthen bilateral political and economic relations between the two countries.

South Africa's engagement with Swaziland reaffirmed the significance of good neighbourliness as a cornerstone for sustained regional economic development.

Discussions on how to explore economic opportunities presented by the 2010 FIFA World Cup were also discussed.

Swaziland was expected to benefit from 2010 through tourism, the hosting of soccer base camps for participating nations, and the development of sports facilities.

Article published courtesy of BuaNews