THE Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry together with the eThekwini Municipality hosted a Belgian Networking Mission to South Africa last week at the Hilton Hotel.
Stemming from the excellent Sister City relationship between Durban and Antwerp in Belgium, the delegation of about 30 high-level government officials and business leaders from Antwerp visited eThekwini to discuss various areas of cooperation including trade and economic development.
This mission was led by the Governor of Antwerp, Cathy Berx, and the President of the Voka – Chamber of Commerce and Industry Antwerp-Waaslandour, Stéphane Verbeeck. This trade mission was actively supported by Ambassador Cooreman and Flemish counsellor Geraldine Reymenants, as well as the South African Embassy in Belgium. The delegation consisted of 30 high-level government officials and business participants to Durban.
At the networking mission, President of the Durban Chamber of Commerce, Akash Singh welcomed guests and Eric Applegren, from eThekwini Municipality lead the discussion on Durban City and the catalytic projects, the City’s long-term vision and proposed strategy.
The meeting was followed by a mayoral reception at uShaka Marine Theme Park Aquarium where Mayor James Nxumalo addressed the audience.
Nxumalo said the delegation's visit to Durban was a great opportunity for the City to present its long-term vision and economic growth strategy in order to strengthen trade relations and attract more investors.
“Growing the local economy and creating employment opportunities remains our core business strategy. We have positioned our municipality as a key investment destination capable of unlocking development opportunities which have included bringing the marginalised into the economy and providing support to historically disadvantaged communities,” he said.
