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WESTERN CAPE PREMIER, GERALD MORKEL, OFFICIALLY OPENS THE SOUTH AFRICAN PLANT OF EUROPEAN CORK INDUSTRIES (ECI) AT STELLENBOSCH
The establishment of a South African Plant of European Cork Industries (ECI) at Stellenbosch at a cost of R11 million is an indication that the Western Cape has become part of the competitive global market through the provision of good low-cost infrastructure and systems, said Premier Gerald Morkel.
Speaking at the official inauguration of the cork manufacturing plant today (11 June), Mr Morkel said investors were very much aware of he fact that a better product at lower prices is a winning formula. The fact that ECI had established themselves in the Western Cape was proof that they were very much aware of this.
The opening of the new plant which will be supplying corks to the wine and spirit industry comes nearly exactly two years after the Western Cape Province signed a co-operation agreement with Madeira to strengthen trade, industry and tourism ties on 6 July 1999. The inauguration was attended by the Portuguese Ambassador to South Africa, Mr Fernandes Perreira, Deputy Minister in the office of the Portuguese Premier, Dr Vitalino Canas and the Consul General, Maria de Fatima Perestrello.
Enquiries: Chris Koole on 082 7743462
Issued by: Office of the Premier, Western Cape, 11 June 2001