A HIGH-POWERED business delegation from Vietnam met with the KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Economic Development and Tourism, the Honourable Michael Mabuyakhulu on Monday, 25 May 2009 to explore investment opportunities in the province. Among a number of business opportunities, the meeting discussed a possible business venture in the wood industry.

The seven member delegation led by the Chairman of Navifico, Mr Ton That Manh met with MEC Mabuyakhulu and members of the Investment Promotion: Manufacturing unit from Trade and Investment KZN.

Trade and Investment KZN have successfully facilitated meetings, site visits and discussions with the uMshwathi Municipality regarding the delegation's business interests in the area. 

The delegation have shown keen interest in the development of a joint furniture manufacturing project in the uMshwathi Municipality, the availability of wood processing machinery in South Africa, the possible production of cement roofing sheets (without the use of Asbestos) in the Municipality and the promotion of sustainable supply of wood (white oak, black walnut, cherry eucalyptus etc) from uMshwathi to Vietnam. It is expected that once the investment has come to fruition it will result in a number of jobs being created.

The delegation has brought with them Mr Pham The Dong, a Research and Development expert in wood processing to assess the Municipalities offerings.

 
On behalf of Zamo Gwala, CEO, Trade and Investment KZN

Contact Person:             Perusha Naicker

Position:                        Communications Officer

Tel:                              27 31 368 9600

Cell:                              083 778 5032

Fax:                              086 500 9862

Email:                           perusha@tikzn.co.za