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15 Jul 2011

On Friday, 15 July 2011 the Acting Premier of Limpopo, Ms Pinkie Kekana will receive a high powered delegation of the South African Heads of Mission from the Department of International Relations and Cooperation.

The one day visit by the South African Heads of Mission follows Acting Premier Kekana’s acceptance of a request for a high level meeting with the provincial government made by the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ms Maite Nkoana-Mashabane.

During the visit, the Limpopo Provincial Government will, among others, profile its trade and investment competitive advantages espoused by the Limpopo Employment Growth and Development Plan (LEGDP) to the Heads of Mission so that they can assist in marketing the province abroad as worthy destination for direct foreign investment. The meeting will also deliberate on issues such as the implementation of existing agreements that Limpopo has with provinces in other countries and explore possibilities for partnerships in facilitating the transfer of technical skills that will enhance the provincial economy.

The visit follows the Heads of Mission Conference which was organised by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation of the Republic of South Africa on 12 to 14 July 2011 in Gauteng. The conference brought together all South African Heads of Missions from hundred and twenty-four missions in hundred and ten countries for engagement on issues critical to the delivery of the priorities of the South African foreign policy. The conference focused on, among others, ways in which the South African foreign policy can support the delivery of domestic priorities as well as mapping strategies on South Africa’s response to regional and global developments.

During the meeting, Acting Premier Kekana will be joined by the Members of Executive Council and the Executive Mayors of Polokwane municipality and Capricorn district respectively. On the other hand, the delegation from the Department of International Relations and Cooperation will comprise of South African Heads of Mission who serve as ambassadors and high commissioners in countries that include, Zambia, Principe, Swaziland, Mauritius, Portugal, Guinea Bissau, Trinidad & Tobago, New Zealand, Russia, Namibia, Ireland, Hungary, Fiji, Norway, Kuwait and Niger.

“Our province is committed to position itself as worthy economic player in the current turbulent global economic arrangement. We have an acute need for investment so that we can be able to, among other; translate our commitment to make “2011 a year of job creation through meaningful economic transformation and inclusive growth” into reality. We believe that direct foreign investment can leverage our plans to maximise the provision of basic services such as water, electricity, sanitation, houses and roads to our people,” said Acting Premier Pinkie Kekana.

“Our country has made impressive strides in strengthening the south to south diplomatic relations. We have consummated our relations with India and Brazil through a multilateral forum called India, Brazil and South Africa (IBSA) and our ascendance to the forum of Brazil, Russia, India and China to form BRICS will definitely have profound economic spin-offs for our country. This will eventually assist us to, among others, create jobs for the people of Limpopo and make our provincial economy vibrant,” said Kekana.

NB. There will be photo opportunity for the media scheduled as follows:

Venue: Office of the Premier, 40 Hans van Rensburg – Fourth floor boardroom.
Time: 15h15
Date: Friday, 15 July 2011

Enquiries:
Tebatso Mabitsela
Cell: 072 263 0563

Issued by: Limpopo Office of the Premier
15 Jul 2011

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