BuaNews (Tshwane)
Nthambeleni Gabara
9 April 2008
Limpopo — Emerging farmers from the historically disadvantaged communities of Limpopo are to benefit from trade relations between the province and Saudi Arabia, says Premier Sello Moloto.
A task team from Saudi Arabia is currently in the province to explore areas of trade and investment, following Mr Moloto's trade mission to the country in March.
"Emerging farmers from the historically disadvantaged communities are to be mobilised to solicit and develop further trade relations with farmers in Saudi Arabia and the rest of the Middle East," he said.
The premier said the interest and focus of the business community of Saudi Arabia was linked to the competitive advantages of the province such as mining, tourism and agriculture.
He was looking forward to significantly contributing to Saudi-Arabia's agricultural sector.
Saudi Arabia imports no less than 90 percent of its agricultural products from other countries including South Africa and particularly Limpopo.
Mr Moloto said his trade Mission had been a success and that the provincial government would ensure that follow-ups are made for people of the province to benefit form these forms of interaction with the international community.
Part of the mission also focussed on the invitation of the Governor of Riyadh, Prince Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al-Saudi. Riyadh is the capital city and the economic hub of the oil-rich Saudi Arabia.
Other areas of mutual interest between the two countries include education, health and technology.
Mr Moloto, who was accompanied by the MEC for Economic Development, Environment and Tourism, Collins Chabane and the MEC for Provincial Treasury Saad Cachalia among stakeholder, also held discussions with the Minister of Commerce and Industry, Prince Abdullah Zainal Alireza and the Minister of Foreign affairs.
They also met Prince Saud Al-Faisal, the Secretary Ganeral of the Council of Saudi Chambers, Dr. Fahad Al-Sultan and the Governor of Jeddah city, Prince Misha'al Bin Abdul Aziz.
The interactions also focused on the promotion of trade and investment around selected projects of the Provincial government such as Malt fruit blend processing, Polokwane Fresh Produce market to mention but a few.
Limpopo Provincial government spokesperson, Mogale Nchabeleng said the leadership of Saudi Arabia, in particular Prince Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al-Saudi, also said he regard Limpopo as his second home.
Together with other government leaders, Prince Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al-Saudi showed a great deal of interest in investing and doing business in the province.
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