A delegation from Saldanha Bay, together with the West Coast Chamber of Commerce and Vredenburg Business Forum, were invited to the Republic of China-Taiwanese Consulate in Cape Town.
This took place on Wednesday 30 November. The group consisted of Saldanha Bay Municipality (SBM) Mayor André Truter, Deputy Mayor Charmaine Laubscher, Councillor Marius Koen, André de Villiers, chairperson of the West Coast Chamber of Commerce, Harry Lu, member of the Africa Taiwanese Chamber of Commerce Cape Town and Sammy Springleer, deputy chairperson of the Vredenburg Security and Business Forum.
The purpose of the meeting was to discuss potential investments and cooperation between the Republic of China-Taiwan and the greater district of the West Coast. Koen, who had dealings with the Taiwanese Director General in the past and has insight into international relations, suggested a “Twin City” cooperation agreement between the West Coast District and a similar district in Taiwan.
A similar concept was introduced by Lu in the past, but unfortunately did not gain traction for lack of readiness by the relevant authorities.
De Villiers also suggested the possibility of a partnership with Taiwanese investmentors in the textile and other industrial fields around the West Coast. According to De Villiers the Consulate’s Director-General, David Yintso Lin, indicated the consulate will definitely consider the proposal.
Lu furthermore put forward and elaborated why the West Coast is a good area for investment, as the area has good infrastructure support. Springleer said there will be future discussions among the consulate, West Coast Chamber of Commerce and the West Coast District Municipality.
According to the delegation it was clear the consulate preferred to deal with a wider scope of stakeholders, which include the West Coast commerce chambers and district municipalities, as this would give them a wider area of influence and options regarding the kinds of investments and trade options they may be interested in.
Lu, who facilitated the meeting, played a pivotal role in getting the different parties around the table. His knowledge of business and networking internationally made this possible, for which everyone expressed their thanks.
