BuaNews (Tshwane)
31 October 2007
Johannesburg — Gauteng Premier Mbhazima Shilowa and the Governor of the Katanga Province in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) Moise Katumbi Chapwe have signed a declaration to promote trade and investment between the two provinces.
The declaration of intent, which was signed during the premier's visit to the Katanga Province on Tuesday, proposes a twinning arrangement between the two economic power houses.
It also encourages cooperation in promoting economic development, science, technology, sport, culture, education and health.
The declaration also envisages exchanges in expertise to build skills capacity in the Katanga Province and training for administrative officials.
Mr Shilowa described the signing of the agreement as the beginning of a journey to be travelled by the two provinces in an attempt to respond to the challenges of poverty, unemployment and underdevelopment.
"The twinning agreement we are signing must be used attain these goals and at the same time we must use the agreement to strengthen the structures of government," said Mr Shilowa.
He said Gauteng and Katanga had important roles in the national lives of the people in South Africa and the DRC.
"If we want to grow the economy of South Africa, we have to grow the economy of Gauteng more.
"Similary if we want to grow the economy of the DRC we have to grow the economy of Katanga more," said Premier Shilowa.
Governor Chapwe said the declaration of intent between the two provinces provided Katanga with a precious opportunity to realise its potential in tourism, agriculture, mining and electricity supply.
"It marked the start of a new political era that will see the development of a new co-operative zone through the exchange of expertise in different fields," said Governor Chapwe.
He said his government intended to promote exchanges in health, education and the creation of small-scale enterprises to create employment and for the achievement of social stability.
The two leaders also agreed on the hosting of a trade and investment summit to expose investors in both provinces to investment opportunities and to provide a platform for the establishment of business linkages.
During his short visit, the premier was taken on a tour of inspection to projects that South African companies were involved in including projects in mining and in real estate.
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