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Media Release: Stofile signs a declaration of intent with China
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Speeches and Media Releases
 Premier's Office

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MEDIA RELEASE
 FOR IMMEDIATE USE
 25 MAY 2001

PREMIER STOFILE SIGNS A DECLARATION OF INTENT WITH CHINA

Eastern Cape Premier, Rev Makhenkesi Stofile, signed a declaration of intent with the Governor of the Zhejiang Province in the Republic of 
China, Mr Chai Songyue, for agricultural cooperation between the two provinces.

The declaration follows an earlier cooperation agreement that was signed between Rev Stofile and the Vice Governor of the Zhejiang Province 
in September 2000. The agreement was signed when the Premier and other members of the Executive Council visited Beijing.

The declaration of intent that was signed yesterday further commits the Eastern Cape Agriculture and Land Affairs Department to working 
together with its counterpart in the Zhejiang Province in economic development that would benefit both provinces.

Among other things, the declaration committed the department to:

* Send a working group to the Zhejiang Province in order to assist with the development of an efficient Boer goat industry and assist in 
obtaining quality breeding stock, semen and fertilized embryos for commercial purposes
* Exploring of the importation, from the Zhejiang Province, of small holder farm equipment and equipment for processing agricultural 
products at village levels which may be required by the Eastern Cape Province
* That both parties will cooperate to establish approximately one hectare duck egg production unit to be based at the Dohne Agricultural 
Development Centre. The Zhejiang Province will provide the breeding stock and technology
* That together both parties will investigate other agriculturally related products of mutual interest in the medicinal, perfume and 
flavour industries suitable for production to provide work opportunities for large numbers of people in both provinces

Having signed the declaration, the two leaders exchanged gifts. The Chinese delegation gave the Premier of four tractors, comprising two 
medium sized 4X4 tractors and two small sized tractors, as well as 1000 duck breeding eggs.

In return the Premier gave the Governor an eland skin, and an indigenous Nguni ox.

Speaking at a reception function that was held for the 10-member delegation Premier Stofile said he hoped that the signing of the 
declaration would bring improvement in agriculture, as the Chinese rural areas were very green and rich in vegetation.

Governor Songyue agreed with Premier Stofile saying that agriculture was a starting point and a backbone of development. Governor Songyue 
said that the two provinces were entrusted with responsibility and freedom and would use agriculture as a source of economic growth.

Governor Songyue committed his Province saying that the two provinces would not disappoint each other in their agreement. In reply Premier 
Stofile said the role of government was to make the relationship between these two provinces a success.

Today the Governor and his delegation will be visiting Port Elizabeth where they would make a presentation on the Coega Industrial 
Development Zone and Business Seminar. He would also make a courtesy call to the Executive Mayor of the Nelson Mandela Metropolis.

Issued: Communications Division  Office of the Premier
 Inquiries: Manelisi Wolela  082 414 7768

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