CHRIS Hani District Municipality (CHDM) Mayor Wongama Gela is to lead a delegation which will jet off to China later this month, in a move to strengthen the district authority’s relationship with the Chinese Linfen Municipality.
The delegation will include top officials in the municipality’s portfolio of Integrated Planning and Economic Development (IPED) led by portfolio head, Dr Za-muxolo Shasha.
Representatives from both the Chris Hani Development Agency and Chris Hani Co-operative Development Centre will also form part of the group.
The visit to China follows after a deputation of high ranking politicians and businessman from the Shanxi Province of China made a visit to Komani, on the first week of July this year, to explore investment opportunities.
During the visit, the two sides signed a memorandum of agreement, which Gela said, at the time, was a sign of interest in possible partnership.
“This isn’t a memorandum of understanding yet. There is a lot that we still need to discuss and look into before signing anything binding,” he said.
“But we are looking forward to enter into a partnership with the Chinese, only if we are going to benefit out of it and later this year we will be visiting them,” said Gela at the time.
In a special council meeting, on Friday last week, he said the purpose of the partnership with the Chinese was to identify areas of collaboration, investment and development in water demand management, tourism, agriculture, coal mining and technology, among others.
Robust engagements around these topics are set to take place during the Taiyuuan Energy Low Carbon Development Forum, to be held from October 22 to 24 and an official three-day visit to Linfen Municipality from October 28.
“Our interest is to meet and be introduced to possible investors, international organisations and hopefully research institutions to assist in developing our unique district’s agrarian revelation, he said.
“This official visit will present an opportunity for both municipalities to identify and agree on tangible programmes and objects that could bring substantial investment in our district,” said Gela.
Mayor of Linfen City, Dong Yibing said, during their visit, the businesspeople that accompanied him had an interest in the Elitheni Coal Mine, situated 14km outside of Indwe.
“There is a lot that the two municipalities can collaborate on. This area is known to produce high quality wool and China is currently leading the industry of textile and fashion design. This means we can help each other here and there,” said Yibing.
“Also one of the areas we look to explore is the coal mine that is said to be struggling. Maybe we can work together and help it to run optimally,” he said.
