The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality delegation to Changchun, China, came back with a Christmas stocking filled with prospects for major investments and collaboration in the new year.
Executive Mayor Gary van Niekerk, who led the engagements with the business sector and government, announced on Monday that First Auto Works (FAW) will be expanding their truck plant at the Coega IDZ as well as building two Sport Utility Vehicles in Gqeberha by 2025.
“This is especially exciting as the production of the New Energy Vehicles will be aimed at the global market for electrical vehicles and will create jobs.
“In addition, FAW committed to create twenty new permanent jobs by January 31 as part of celebrating their tenth year in Gqeberha, South Africa. We are elated for those who will be starting the new year with new prospects and the opportunity to put food on the table for their families.
“More temporary and permanent jobs will be created during the expansion of their truck production plant.
“Engagements are underway in January, a few weeks from now with the management of the Coega IDZ to discuss more land for FAW to allow for the expansion of their operations.
“The City of Changchun, as the automotive manufacturing hub of China, is excited to enter into a twinning agreement with us, and further committed to moving their African component manufacturing operations to Gqeberha.
“They were especially interested to know that we have two ports and can help improve their productivity by improving their import and export operations with South Africa.
“Known for its expertise in growing their tourism industry, the City of Changchun will share their experience on artificially growing the industry with manufactured infrastructure such as the Sculpture Park.
“Our region is rich with cultural history and known for being a hub for the anti-Apartheid struggle. It will be some of the areas to discuss, in order create new tourism experiences and infrastructure.
“In the same vein, we already received an invitation for our local businesses to participate in an international expo to be held in August 2024.
“The Food and Agriculture Expo, held over a period of ten days, attracts more than one million visitors to Changchun.
“This translates to 100 000 visitors every single day and will certainly open doors for established businesses from this region,” Executive Mayor Gary van Niekerk said.
Discussions with Transnet will also take place in January to discuss the exchange of expertise with Changchun to address the rail network in the region.
Van Niekerk was accompanied by Acting Executive Director of Economic Development, Tourism and Agriculture, Mpho Pebane, and Director of International Governmental Relations, Lulamile Moolman.
NMB Communications
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