Premier DD Mabuza's official visit to Oman
The Premier of Mpumalanga province Mr. DD Mabuza has just completed a highly successful official visit to the Sultanate of Oman on 22-27 September 2011. He was accompanied by the MEC for Agriculture, Rural Development and Land Administration Ms Candith Mashego-Dlamini; the MEC for Economic Development, Environment and Tourism Mr. Norman Mokoena and senior government officials.
The main purpose of the visit was to establish economic and trade relations between the Mpumalanga province and the Governate of Muscat which is the capital city and a province of Oman. Premier Mabuza and his delegation were warmly received by Sayyid Saud bin Hilal al Busaidy, Minister of State and Governor of Muscat. The meeting explored trade and investment opportunities between the two Provinces; identified areas of cooperation in agriculture, tourism and industrial development and to strengthen social and cultural ties between the people of Mpumalanga and the people of Oman.
South Africa and Oman enjoy a long standing relationship on a number of areas of cooperation. These include, among others, military cooperation; science and technology and education. The following areas of cooperation have been identified, capacity building through exchange programmes on training, veterinary services and technical assistance; research and development on wheat and banana production and the establishment of an integrated fresh produce market in Mpumalanga and the Port of Sohar.
In relation to tourism the delegates agreed to an exchange programme of tour operators and travel agents to package tourism products in both Oman and Mpumalanga. The two delegations also explored the possibilities of introducing direct flights from South Africa to Oman and vice versa by airlines of the two respective countries in order to expand trade and tourism opportunities between the two countries.
The Premier also met with Dr. Fuaad bin Jaffaral al Sajwani, the Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries; and the Minister of Tourism Shaikh Abdulmalik bin Abdullah al Khalili. The Oman tourism minister was keen to ensure that his country benefits from the extensive experience South Africa has acquired in the field of tourism.
The Premier paid a courtesy call to His Highness Sayyid Fahd bin Mahmood al Said, the deputy Prime Minister for the Council of Ministers. His Highness expressed the Sultanate’s satisfaction with the steady progress in cooperation and bilateral relations between his country and South Africa and Mpumalanga province in particular.
During the visit the delegation also held high powered discussions with chief executive officers of the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI); Oman Centre for Investments Promotion and Export Development (OCIPED) and also visited and held talks with executive management of the multi-billion dollar Sohar Free-zone development project in the north of Muscat.
At the end of the visit Premier Mabuza expressed gratitude at the warm reception his delegation received from the government of Oman, particularly the Governor of the Sultanate of Muscat and his Cabinet. The two parties expressed hope and confidence that this newly established bilateral relationship will bear the necessary fruit. The Mpumalanga Provincial government is looking forward to host a high powered delegation led by the Governor of the Sultanate of Oman very soon to the province.
Contact
Lebona Mosia
Cell: 0825616465
Tel: 0137662244
Email: lmosia@mpg.gov.za
Issued by the Communication Chief Directorate, Office of the Premier, Mpumalanga Provincial Government
