In a gesture of continued cooperation, the Eastern Cape Province extended a warm welcome to Dr. Lu Shan, the Governor of Zhejiang Province of the Republic of China, and his delegation. The purpose of the visit was to explore opportunities for further collaboration and strengthen the existing partnership to drive socio-economic growth in both provinces.

The Eastern Cape delegation, led by Premier Lubabalo Oscar Mabuyane, discussed the significant progress made in building a democratic, inclusive society and emphasized the pivotal role of reliable partners like Zhejiang Province in this transformative journey. The bilateral twinning agreement, which was established in 2000, has flourished over the years, fostering collaboration in various sectors, including trade, science and technology, healthcare, education, and cultural exchanges. Notably, Zhejiang Province's support during the COVID-19 pandemic through generous donations of essential medical supplies showcased the solidarity between the two regions.

The discussions centered around the economic potential of the Eastern Cape Province, with a focus on attracting investment in key sectors such as automotive manufacturing and renewable energy. Premier Mabuyane expressed eagerness to explore opportunities for expanding exports, particularly in agricultural products and emerging industries like cannabis cultivation and the blue economy.

Both provinces acknowledged the positive impact of the existing twinning agreement and stressed the need to elevate cooperation to new heights. They emphasized the importance of leveraging the expanding BRICS family to further enhance bilateral relations and foster mutual development.