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Chinese investment to "break the shackles of poverty"

Date: 19 September 2003 By: Frans van der Merwe

MAKHADO (LOUIS TRICHARDT) – The new mayor of the Makhado Municipality, Cllr Rhulani Nkuzana, this week commended the Chinese Communist Party and highlighted what he described as the "solid relationship" between the ANC and the Chinese Communist Party, which dates back to the early 20th Century. The mayor's praises for the Chinese Communist Party came during his welcoming speech to a delegation from Dan-Dong City, headed by Mr Shong Bao-Quan, the administrative vice-mayor of Dan-Dong in the Liaoning Province of the Republic of China.

Cllr Nkuzana said the Chinese Communist Party, during its congress earlier this year, laid a solid foundation for the rebuilding of faith in the multi-lateral trade framework.

"It is a fact that the Chinese Communist Party has stood the test of time, to an extent that total globalisation cannot be attained without the participation of China," he said.

He described the visit by the present delegation from Dan-Dong City as a clear indication of the determination and commitment of the Dan-Dong City Government to turn the twinning agreement into practice. The twinning agreement was signed in March this year. He emphasised the importance of turning words into deeds and said trade liberalization, if well practiced and implemented, is for the benefit of both developed and developing municipalities. "Trade between our cities has the ability and potential to create job opportunities, empower women and the youth, to improve infrastructure, to acquire technical skills and expertise and also to improve our health and educational systems." Mayor Nkuzana announced a "hundred days programme" and said he is convinced that by the end of the 100 days "our people will be able to see the commencement of the Colour Steel Factory in the Industrial Park." He said the twinning agreement must be able to promote black economic empowerment.

"As part of our integrated development strategy the twinning must enable us to achieve national and global competitiveness. We remain convinced that the agreement will promote the economic growth of the two cities, thereby promoting sustainable development. It is of critical importance that our twinning agreement must encourage skills development and employment equity. It is our view that our people must be empowered to participate in the mainstream of global economic activity."

In inviting the Chinese guests to enjoy the natural beauty of the area, the mayor said he looked forward to having a busy schedule with the Chinese delegation in order to break the shackles of poverty amongst the people.

 
 
 

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Frans van der Merwe

Frans van der Merwe is a freelance journalist with more than 40 years experience in the newspaper industry. Apart from newspaper reporting, he was also involved with radio news, news reading, training and marketing. He has been living and working in Louis Trichardt since 1991.

 
 

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