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The People's Republic of China's Ambassador to SA, Mr. Lui
Members of the Executive Council & Legislature
Representatives of Diplomatic Corps
Foreign delegations & Business leaders
Ladies and gentlemen

It gives me great pleasure to extend a hearty welcome to all of you to Kimberley and the Northern Cape Province.

The Northern Cape Trade and Investment Exhibition was conceived some years ago when a small delegation of the province visited the People's Republic of China in 1996.

Over the years a number of delegations and other entities representing a broad spectrum of the political leadership throughout the province and different levels of government have made excursions to the PRC for the purpose of pursuing the goals we set ourselves when we assumed power - creating and fostering a growing economy which will provide jobs and business opportunities for all its role-players.

The interactions of businesses, including government should play a critical role in the leveraging of the optimal opportunities for all to prosper. This fair will also provide a platform for interaction between the public and other role-players in the province, who will be welcomed to come and view the exhibits and the displays.

It is no mistake that we choose to seek to develop greater ties with a large and consistently developing economy such as that of the People's Republic of China. The PRC like many developing economies also faces the challenges imposed by globalisation and the enormous technological developments experienced over the past few years.

The Chinese are also preparing their economy to participate in the WTO and have made great strides at many levels.

What is key and of mutual benefit for us all, is to explore the markets and possibilities and therefore take those decisions regarding investment locations on an informed basis. It is no secret that this country represents by far the best possible chances for foreign direct investment and entry into the untapped markets in Africa. The infrastructure base that exists makes it possible for us to support those types of initiatives in the best interest of all the parties. The Northern Cape in our terms represents the best and closest similarities with the markets and conditions in Africa and therefore an ideal location to start from.

Participating in this exhibition are different levels of governments in the province and neighbouring countries of Botswana, Lesotho, Nigeria and Namibia and many other important and distinguished persons from all walks of life. This will surely augur well for the regional economy and strengthen the ties through providing the basic services and opportunities for our people in order to realise the goals of a better life for all!

Your attendance at this exhibition demonstrates the prestige this event will gain and confidence in the Northern Cape Province. We hope this will culminate and become "the annual event showcasing the best" in the Northern Cape, our neighbouring countries and other participants from the developed world.

We also note that the participation confirms the willingness of the majority of countries to establish and develop their economic and commercial relations with South Africa and the Northern Cape in particular.

The world is going through an economic crisis, reflected in the deceleration of the economy in the United States and other geographical areas and aggravated by the current international situation.

Although these factors currently jeopardise business and consumer confidence, the high attendance of business and other government representatives at this exhibition signals the confidence and tranquil climate the Northern Cape and South Africa offer.

We also want to invite the public to come and view the displays during the course of the exhibition and interact with the producers and manufactures of different types of products on display. The information sessions, which will also be held during the course of the exhibition, will surely be lively and informative.

We also want to invite visitors to Kimberley and the Northern Cape Province to take the opportunity to visit the historical places that make up Kimberley and the early industrialisation patterns of South Africa. Visit the places of the early history of struggle of the African people and learn more about the Khoi-San people.

We want to extend a special word of thanks and welcome to our sister province in the People's Republic of China, Hunan Province. Our province and Hunan have embarked on fraternal relations of mutual benefit to our peoples and respective countries. This exhibition is also part of that process of consolidating the relationship and we are indeed grateful and honoured by your presence here today.

On behalf of the Executive Council, we would like to extend a friendly Northern Cape welcome to all those who travelled from far and wish this event all of the best. We are confident the targets you set will all be achieved at the end of the exhibition and some will be beyond our wildest expectations.

I thank you

Issued by Office of the Premier, Northern Cape

5 November 2001