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5 November 2007

Since arriving in Abu Dhabi on Sunday, 4 November 2007, the MEC for Economic Development, Environment and Tourism Mr C Chabane has been hard at work forging all round economic ties between Limpopo and Abu Dhabi, a city state in the United Arab Emirate. He positioned the province as a "prime hunting ground" for those seeking sustainable investment opportunities. Yes, literally, the province is also ideal for those who indulge in hunting as a sport.

Addressing the Abu Dhabu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ADCCI) seminar, the MEC explained his understanding of the mission as an attempt "to build bridges and stronger economic ties between the people of Limpopo and Abu Dhabi. These relationships," he said, "can only be of value to our people if it is translated into business ties that could contribute to the economic growth in both Limpopo and Abu Dhabi.

"We are here to seek meaningful partnerships that will yield investments into Limpopo. We need partners and investors who can join us in exploiting the province's natural resources maximally for the benefit of all. I therefore extend an invitation to you, ADCCI, to visit the province and explore galore investment opportunities Limpopo is offering. I believe both of us have the collective knowledge, expertise and skills that can benefit us if we get into a partnership. And as a by-the-way point, we're the prime hunting ground of the country."

The MEC further indicated that there were attractive investment opportunities arising from the 2010 Fifa World Cup that South Africa is hosting. "In our province, for example, we are developing and expanding our airport to a world class standard, we are about to embark on the construction of the convention centre, with a hotel as an offshoot, and we plan to establish a regional fresh produce market." The chamber's first Vice President, who chaired the seminar, committed them to inviting all their members on a mission to South Africa early next year.

Part of the seminar involved Limpopo-based companies that formed part of the delegation, meeting their counterparts seeking partnerships around attracting investors for their growth, gaining market access into the United Arab Emirate (UAE), gaining and sharing global business ideas and skills. The companies included the Polokwane-based K and G Jewellery Manufacturing, Tzaneen-based Peppadew International and Rasele Minerals and Energy. Also in attendance from the province, was Gilbert Mosena, the deputy secretary of the National African Federated Chamber of Commerce (Nafcoc).

From the seminar, the MEC proceeded to a meeting with the Head of Department (HOD) and top management of Abu Dhabi's Department of Planning and Economy which promotes Abu Dhabi as in ideal city for investment and tourism and focuses on such strategic sectors as real estate, oil and gas, tourism, logistics, manufacturing and environment in which it looks at developing alternative sources of energy.

The last point got the attention of MEC Chabane as he commented: "It is heartening for me as the custodian of environment in Limpopo to learn that even countries that have traditional sources of crude oil are exploring alternatives.
The MEC further suggested that his department and its counterpart needed to develop a formal framework for business interaction. "We should make it possible for our business people to form partnerships that will benefit both sides of the Indian Ocean. It should be about sharing information, skills, expertise and investing in each other's economies."

Honourable Chabane emphasised that any investment in Limpopo was sustainable and profitable as demand in the province always outweighed supply. The management of the host department accepted the MEC proposals and committed them to making follow-ups with his department by concretising and formalising relations between the two and to start implementing them. The MEC will leave Abu Dhabi tomorrow, Tuesday, morning with the Limpopo delegation for a whistle stop in Dubai where they will have two meetings before proceeding to Kuwait in the evening. Before returning home on 11 November, the delegation will also have similar meetings in Qatar.

For more information:
Saul Molobi
General Manager Marketing and Communications
Cell: 083 701 3949
E-mail: saul@til.co.za

Issued by: Department Economic Development, Environment and Tourism, Limpopo Provincial Government
5 November 2007
Source: Limpopo Provincial Government (http://www.limpopo.gov.za)