The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality and Zhuhai City from the People's Republic of China have expressed their intention to collaborate and cooperate in various fields to carry forward friendly exchanges and cooperation.
Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Mayor, Gary van Niekerk, and Vice Mayor of Zhuhai Municipal Government, Yang Chuan, signed a letter of intent which establishes a relationship between the two municipalities, which will bring mutual beneficial business investment opportunities.
Through constructive discussions, both cities have expressed their intention to collaborate and cooperate in various fields to carry forward friendly exchanges and cooperation.
Both cities, under the principles of mutual respect, trust, fairness, and benefit, will proactively engage in various forms of exchanges and cooperation.
According to the agreement, the cities will prioritise exchanges and cooperation in various areas to facilitate tangible results.
These include strengthening economic ties and industrial collaboration to create job opportunities and boost economic growth, enhancing port operations and promoting tourism to benefit both cities, and fostering educational exchanges to enrich cultural understanding and knowledge sharing.
The cities will also exchange and cooperate in promoting cultural exchange and cooperation in the manufacturing sector to drive innovation and development, emphasising technology exchange to advance innovation and technological progress, and focusing on sustainable development to ensure long-term environmental and economic sustainability.
City leaders and relevant government departments of both cities will maintain frequent contacts to discuss and address issues of mutual concern, ensuring continuous and effective cooperation.
To facilitate communication and information exchange, both sides agree to explore appointing the Nelson Mandela Bay and the Zhuhai Foreign Affairs Office.
Speaking at a signing ceremony at Gqeberha City Hall, Van Niekerk said the partnership represented a significant step towards enhancing the city’s international relations and creating opportunities for the communities.
"I am thrilled that we are embarking on this journey of collaboration with Zhuhai. By working together, we can share knowledge, drive economic growth, and promote cultural understanding.
“I am confident that this cooperation will bring about positive changes and strengthen the bonds between our cities," Van Niekerk said.
He added that the intention to collaborate and cooperate marks a significant milestone in the relationship between Nelson Mandela Bay and Zhuhai, emphasising the critical importance of international relations and cooperation.
“By working together, both cities aim to create job opportunities, strengthen economic ties, promote cultural exchange, enhance trade and investment, education, drive innovation in manufacturing, advance technological progress, and ensure sustainable development,” the Mayor said. – SAnews.gov.za
