The Mpumalanga premier, Mandla Ndlovu, is set to return to the People’s Republic of China to visit the Shanghai Cooperation Organization for a trade investment mission from June 14 to 23.

During this high-level outbound mission, Ndlovu will visit the city of Longnan, renowned for its traditional medicine, mining and olive oil production. He will also tour the Tianshui Inland Port, a model area for modern agricultural development.

His visit is geared towards the operationalisation of the Mpumalanga International Fresh Produce Market (MIFPM), which is hailed as the first large-scale market infrastructure in the province and is expected to boost international market access.

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He will be accompanied by the Mpumalanga MEC for agriculture, rural development and environmental affairs, Nompumelelo Hlophe, and senior officials of the provincial government.

On January 14, Ndlovu undertook the first leg of the mission to China to establish co-operation with major players in the food and logistics industries for the MIFPM, which is not yet operational.

That trip focused on Tianshui, Longnan and Xiamen, in Gansu and Fujian provinces respectively, to sign bilateral agreements with reputable trade institutions such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.

While Ndlovu is out of the country, the Mpumalanga MEC for co-operative governance, human settlements and traditional affairs, Speed Mashilo, has been sworn in as the acting premier.

The deputy judge president of the Mpumalanga Division of the High Court, Judge Takalani Ratshibvumo, administered the swearing-in on Tuesday, June 10.