Premier of Mpumalanga, Mr Mandla Ndlovu, today welcomed the British High Commissioner, His Excellency - Mr Antony Phillipson, and his delegation, to Mpumalanga during an engagement focused on deepening trade and investment ties between the province and the United Kingdom.
The meeting, attended by Members of the Executive Council, the Director-General, Ms Maggie Skosana, and Heads of Departments, formed part of ongoing efforts by Premier Ndlovu to strengthen Mpumalanga's strategic partnerships with international investors and development partners.
In welcoming the delegation, Premier Ndlovu described the visit as a testament to the strong and historical ties of friendship and cooperation that South Africa shares with the United Kingdom, ties that continue to flourish through trade, investment, education, and cultural exchange. The Premier reaffirmed that Mpumalanga remains a province of opportunity, and gave assurance that investments made in the province are safe and continue to yield returns for investors.
Premier Ndlovu further appealed for the continuation and expansion of existing United Kingdom investments in the province, emphasising that the partnership between Mpumalanga and the United Kingdom should be elevated to a new level. He described the province as a strategic partner of the United Kingdom, with opportunities for mutual benefit spanning tourism, agriculture, renewable energy, and skills development.
Discussions centered on unlocking investment opportunities across key economic sectors, with particular emphasis on the just energy transition and the broader green economy. Premier Ndlovu reiterated his commitment to ensuring that opportunities arising from the transition to a low-carbon economy translate into tangible benefits for communities and small businesses across the province.
Premier Ndlovu expressed appreciation for the United Kingdom's continued interest in the province and reaffirmed Mpumalanga's commitment to creating an enabling environment for sustainable investment that supports inclusive economic growth and job creation.
The engagement underscored the importance of continued collaboration between the Mpumalanga Provincial Government and international partners in advancing the province's developmental priorities.
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Issued by the Mpumalanga Provincial Government
Office of the Premier
Enquiries: Mr. George Mthethwa (Provincial Government Spokesperson)
Contact number: (013) 766 2242/ 083 302 2774