The City of Matlosana is extremely proud to announce the hosting of the very first Matlosana Trade, Infrastructure and Investment Conference to be held in the city from 11 – 13 October 2017. This incredible initiative is proof of the North West province’s commitment and awareness of the need to ensure that socio-economic development translates into better living standards for the North West and Matlosana in particular.

The Executive Mayor of Matlosana, Cllr Maetu Kgaile.

The Executive Mayor of Matlosana, Cllr Maetu Kgaile addressed a media briefing on 4 May 2017 and said that Matlosana first held a global investors’ conference in 2008 which was the catalyst of the booming development along the widely publicised N12 Treasure Route. “This year’s conference will serve as a broader plan to ensure local economic development through the initiatives of the government and the private sector. Such partnerships form the basis of future developments for the city,” said Cllr Maetu Kgaile. She will be the city’s first female mayor to procure solid investments for the city of Matlosana.

In seeking to ensure sustainable local development, the City of Matlosana Council remains committed to position the city as a viable location for investment and trade, as well as to tirelessly promote the city for foreign direct investment and trade whenever the opportunity presents itself. The Council has embarked on various special initiatives aimed at turning the local economy around and realising development of the priority sectors. These are in support of the greater Provincial Strategy, which entails rebranding, repositioning and renewing the province and securing the economic and social well-being of future generations.

“Our efforts will drive local economic development aggressively and promote the city for infrastructure and investment purposes, as we diversify the local economy. “The conference is a good start in the cooperation between government and business in driving local economic development,” Kgaile added. North West business chambers are committed to supporting this conference, given the

importance of creating an enabling environment for business and investment. The conference will attract policy makers and foreign trade attachés to engage and share information on regulatory issues and policies relevant to trade and investment.

“Government needs to play an important role in providing infrastructure to support business growth and development,” said André Coertzen, CEO of the North West Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The president of the Wesvaal Chamber of Business, Kgomotso Mmadi agreed wholeheartedly: “As business we support the initiative and encourage our members to participate in the conference and to come up with projects that can contribute to economic development in our region.”

The Premier of the North West, Supra Mahumapelo will deliver the keynote address and over the three days, there will be project presentations and discussions on the following: Infrastructure and property development, investment opportunities, green economy, mining, manufacturing, tourism and hospitality, agriculture and agro processing & trade.

All stakeholders are in one accord that the Matlosana Trade, Infrastructure and Investment Conference will provide a dynamic environment for engagement and dialogue on initiatives and incentives to attract investment into selected sectors of the local economy. Visit www.investmatlosana. co.za for more information.

MOJA Magazine – Living (June 2017)