Chinese city of Dongguan pledges shared future of economic cooperation

Economic relations between KwaZulu-Natal and Chinese city of Dongguan have been strengthened with the signing of an agreement to promote bilateral cooperation for dynamic development of economic relations.

The memorandum of intent was signed by Trade & Investment KwaZulu-Natal and the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade Dongguan City Committee (CCPIT Dongguan) at a conference in Durban on 4 August. The conference was organised by the Dongguan Economic and Trade Representative Office in South Africa and aimed at deepening economic and trade cooperation, strengthen connectivity with countries along  the Belt and Road (BRI). The BRI is ChinaÂ’s proposed initiative to connect Asia with Africa and Europe via land and maritime networks along six corridors. Its main priorities are policy coordination; facilities connectivity; unimpeded trade; financial integration; people-to-people bond.

President of CCPIT Dongguan Zheng Wenzhi, said as developing countries with complementary economies, China and South Africa had a shared future of cooperation. He detailed the  business environment and investment policy of Dongguan for conference attendees and encouraged the local entrepreneurs explore trade and investment opportunities in Dongguan. “South African entrepreneurs could make use of the South African Commodity Exhibition and Trade Center to promote South African high-quality agricultural products into Dongguan and radiate throughout China. I hoped that both countries could seize opportunities in Dongguan and South African cities, including Durban, to further deepen understanding,” he said.

Richard Radebe, Director for International Relations of the KwaZulu-Natal Premier's Office, already enjoyed good relations with Dung and this would further deepen the partnership.

This partnership should focus on practical cooperation in manufacturing, agriculture, renewable energy, tourism and culture, said Claude Moodley TIKZN Executive Manager: Export Development and Promotion.

Through MoodleyÂ’s unit, local exporters will have the opportunity to display and market their products at the Dungguan Permanent Product Display Centre.

Those attending the conference from both countries, were able to engage at the business-to-business sessions, engaging directly with the counterparts on how best to foster mutually beneficial economic relations.