South Africa to seek Chinese investment

JOHANNESBURG -- A high-powered delegation from South Africa's richest province Gauteng is on way to China to seek more investment in infrastructure projects, it was announced on Tuesday.

The delegation, led by Gauteng Premier Nomvula Mokonyane, is expected to sign a memorandum of understanding with the Chongqing Municipality, according to Khulu Radebe, Gauteng head of the Department of Economic Development.

The MoU was intended to boost Gauteng's economic infrastructure, green economy and skills transfer, among other things, Radebe said.

Through the visit, Gauteng was hoping to learn from China as South Africa plans to roll out massive infrastructure projects in line with the priorities of the national government, he said.

"As a developing economy, the Gauteng province is hoping to learn a lot from Chongqing. They are leaders in the manufacturing sector."

"We are also hoping to attract more Chinese investors to Gauteng. As soon as Mokonyane signs the MoU, residents of Gauteng can look forward to projects that will create jobs and boost Gauteng's growth to maintain the province's status as an economic hub of South Africa," he said.

Tshwane Mayor Kgosientso Ramokgopa, who is also part of the delegation, said partnership with China was significant in many fields.

"Our people's lives will improve because after this partnership is sealed, we will see a massive roll-out of infrastructure projects. Already in Tshwane, we have a number of flagship projects in the pipeline including the construction of the Tshwane International Conference Center and Rainbow Junction, among others," said Ramokgopa.

During the visit, Mokonyane is expected to visit Chongqing's Urban Planning Gallery and a Rail Transit Manufacturing Company, and will also address the Chongqing-Gauteng Economic and Trade Seminar, according to the South African Government Communication and Information System.