DURBAN
- The launch of the Invest Durban strategy took place on Friday at the Durban ICC.
This event took place less than a week after President Jacob Zuma launched the Invest SA One Stop Shop here in Durban.
Members of the eThekwini Municipality, dignitaries and people from the business industry were present at the launch. eThekwini Mayor Zandile Gumede kicked off the speeches for the launch followed by George Bennet from the World Bank Group and Phillip Sithole, Acting Deputy City Manager.
This was followed by a panel discussion that was facilitated by Godfrey Mutizwa from CNBC Africa. The people on the were:
1. Sipho Nzuza, City Manager of Durban
2. Sherry Zalika Sykes, United States Consul General
3. George Bennet, World Bank Group
4. Michael Deighton, Managing Director: Tongaat Hulett Development.
5. Musa Makhunga, President: Durban Chamber of Commerce.
eThekwini Mayor Zandile Gumede spoke about Invest Durban, she said, "We are of firm view that this meaningful initiative will improve our international business profile and accelerate investment promotion for the benefit for all in Durban".
Phillip Sithole, Acting Durban City Manager said that the municipality has been in partnership with the National Treasury regarding Invest Durban.
Sithole also highlighted the importance of cities in contributing to economic growth. He said, "Cities are agents of economic growth".
George Bennet from the World Bank Group spoke about the purpose of municipalities like Durban. Bennet said, " The municipality is there provide solutions to the problems and to provide assistance to investors".