Pretoria – Mpumalanga Premier David Mabuza will lead a delegation to Italy to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with two provinces namely, Lombardy and Puglia.
“The delegation comprises three members of the executive who are Finance Economic Development and Tourism MEC Skhumbuzo Kholwane, Agriculture Rural Development and Environmental Affairs MEC Andries Gamede and Health MEC Gillion Mashego. Their heads of departments will also accompany them,” Office of the Premier spokesperson Zibonelo Mncwango said.
The week-long visit to Italy follows meetings by Premier Mabuza held with various Italian business people and private sector companies including CMC di Ravenna, Maiora Group, SACE and Tozzi.
“There are trade and investment opportunities available in our province for the Italian enterprises, and we are ready to be a strategic partner of Italy and serve as their gateway to the African continent,” Premier Mabuza said.
Premier Mabuza is expected to meet the Puglia Governor Nichi Vendola on Monday and sign a bilateral co-operation on agriculture, water and rural development.
“While in the same province, the Premier is also expected to sign an agreement with SACE President Amb Giovanni Castallaneta for the provision of financing for the construction of at least 10 hi-tech hospitals to the value of Euro 1billion,” Mncwango said.
Premier Mabuza is also expected to meet the Governor of Lombardy Roberto Maroni in Milan next Thursday and will also sign a bilateral co-operation agreement on economy trade and investment, energy, education, manufacturing, healthcare, tourism, infrastructure development, sports and culture.
“Prior to signing with the respective governors, there will be numerous visits to various companies including receiving a courtesy visit from the Italian Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Lapo Pistelli, in Rome, in an effort to strengthen the relations between Mpumalanga and the two provinces,” Mncwango said. – SAnews.gov.za
