Mayor markets Ekurhuleni in China
Ekurhuleni is ready to welcome the international world seeking business opportunities in South Africa.
This was stated by the executive mayor of Ekurhuleni, Clr Mondli Gungubele, to members of the China International Forum for Friendship Cities at the 18th China International Fair for Investment in Xiamen, China, recently.
He said the city’s Aerotropolis economic trajectory, coupled with its prowess as the economic hub of the southern hemisphere, made it the best destination for investment.
“The Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality (EMM) has endless opportunities. It is the first Aerotropolis in the African continent capitalising on the strength of hosting one of the world’s biggest airports – the OR Tambo International Airport. Our strengths of being the hub of manufacturing in the country, that of being a city home to the biggest railway station in the southern hemisphere of the continent and being criss-crossed by all the major freeways that link the region with the rest of the country and neighbouring countries, makes us one of the preferred destinations for investment in South Africa,” he said.
He added that regional integration and connectivity in Africa are prerequisites for sustainable economic growth and Africa’s thriving economy offers investment opportunities for potential investors in agriculture, mining, technology and infrastructure development.
“As the gateway to Africa, Ekurhuleni enables access to the markets of the world’s second largest continent, with 30 percent of the globe’s mineral reserves, and one billion people.”
Clr Gungubele assured the international community that the South African Government, including the EMM, remains committed to doing business with the country and added that the National Development Plan, which is a plan for the country to eliminate poverty and reduce inequality by 2030, is a clear demonstration of the government’s commitment.
“South Africa is open to working with business to improve the country’s economy, attract much-needed foreign investment as well as creating an environment that ease doing business with the country,” said Clr Gungubele.
