FOLLOWING an operational projects development tour of the Port of Durban last week, KZN’s premier, Edward Senzo Mchunu is set to travel to America this month to sign a co-operative agreement between KZN and the State of Maryland to improve port operations and trade.
On Wednesday, 7 January the premier, MEC for economic development, tourism and environmental affairs, Michael Mabuyakhulu and senior officials from the office of the premier toured the port and were given information on programmes aimed at increasing operational efficiency and the progress of the Durban dig out port.
Armed with this information, Premier Mchunu will go to Maryland with senior port management and the KZN director-general, Nhlanhla Ngidi from 13 to 17 January in response to an invite from Secretary of State, John McDonough.
On Thursday, 15 January, a co-operative arrangement will be signed relating to co-operation in business and economic development and tourism, among others.
Maryland has had many successes and offers examples of best practices in the agricultural, port and business sectors and will be a beneficial partner for the province. KZN will be given crucial skills and technological intelligence in the agricultural, agribusiness, health, tourism and port operations sectors.
“The competitiveness of KZN economy as we position ourselves as the gateway to the Southern Africa region in terms of movement of goods is dependent on how fast we move in up-scaling efficiencies of port operations. We must close any gap in interactions and co-operation between the port, private sector and government at all tiers. The success of our economy in this highly competitive global environment will be largely dependent on bold actions we make today.
We must claw back to our leading position as the busiest port in Africa. Other port expansions being made in countries like Kenya, Angola and Mozambique must galvanise us as a country to move with speed in our plans, particularly in settling the issue of the dig out port,” said Premier Mchunu.
