Ekurhuleni Hosts Chinese City Delegation to Strengthen Ties

The City of Ekurhuleni played host to a high-level delegation from the Chinese city of Shijiazhuang on Monday, as part of an initiative to foster international cooperation and strengthen economic and developmental partnerships.

The delegation, led by Shijiazhuang Mayor MA Yujun, was warmly welcomed by Ekurhuleni Executive Mayor Alderman Nkosindiphile Xhakaza. Joining Mayor Xhakaza in the discussions were Member of the Mayoral Committee for City Development and Real Estate Alderman Nomadlozi Nkosi, along with senior city officials and department heads.

The meeting, which took place in the Ekurhuleni Mayoral Parlour in Germiston, focused on forging closer ties between the two cities, particularly in key areas of urban development, economic growth, and infrastructure enhancement. Mayor Xhakaza underscored the importance of cities working together to achieve shared developmental goals, highlighting Ekurhuleni’s strategic advantage as a hub of connectivity with an extensive road network and a critical rail link through Germiston.

“This session sets the foundation for a stronger, more connected future between our cities,” Mayor Xhakaza stated, emphasizing Ekurhuleni’s vision for sustainable development through strategic partnerships.

The discussions revolved around four key areas: health, economic development, finance, and information and communication technology (ICT), with both cities committing to joint initiatives and knowledge sharing.

Key Areas of Collaboration

• Health: The two cities explored opportunities for collaboration on healthcare programs aimed at addressing common public health challenges. Discussions included technology exchanges and capacity-building initiatives to improve healthcare service delivery.
• Economic Development: The meeting also focused on promoting trade agreements and fostering investment opportunities. Both parties agreed to facilitate business delegations to explore potential partnerships and enhance economic ties.
• Finance: Strengthening financial cooperation was another focal point, with both cities expressing interest in developing frameworks for improved financial governance and capacity-building programs for city officials.
• ICT and Smart Cities: As part of the broader vision for a digital future, the two cities discussed enhancing smart city initiatives, improving cybersecurity measures, and expanding digital literacy programs to ensure broader access to technology.

Mayor Yujun expressed enthusiasm about collaborating with Ekurhuleni, highlighting the potential benefits of sharing expertise and resources for mutual development.

“We see this as a great opportunity to learn from each other and to build a long-lasting partnership that will benefit both our cities,” said Mayor Yujun.

The engagement marks a significant step in Ekurhuleni’s efforts to position itself as a globally competitive city, leveraging international relationships to drive local economic growth and infrastructural development. As both cities continue to explore avenues for deeper cooperation, this partnership is expected to yield tangible benefits in the coming years.

With plans now in motion, the City of Ekurhuleni is optimistic that this collaboration with Shijiazhuang will pave the way for meaningful development projects that will enhance service delivery and improve the lives of residents.