The Eastern Cape has strengthened its growing international ties with China s Jilin Province as Premier Lubabalo Oscar Mabuyane hosted a high-level delegation from the Jilin Provincial Government this week.
The delegation, led by His Excellency Mr. Cao Yuguang, Vice Chairman of the Jilin Provincial Committee of the Chinese People s Political Consultative Conference, included senior officials and a 26-member business group representing manufacturing, ICT, rail engineering, agriculture, and trade sectors.
Premier Mabuyane was joined by MECs Xolile Nqatha (Transport), Nonkqubela Peters (Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism), Sipokazi Mani-Lusithi (Human Settlements), Nonceba Khontsiwe (Agriculture), and Buffalo City Executive Mayor Princess Faku.
The engagement marked a significant step toward formalising sister-province relations between the Eastern Cape and Jilin, following the signing of a Letter of Intent in November 2024. Both provinces agreed to deepen cooperation in transport, agriculture, technology, and education. A key outcome was an agreement for MEC Nqatha to lead a technical team to China to explore ways of transforming the province s rail network to deliver faster, more efficient intercity travel that boosts industrial activity and rural connectivity.
Jilin also invited Premier Mabuyane to lead a high-level delegation to China to advance collaboration in agro-processing, the automotive industry, and emerging technologies. Eastern Cape businesses will participate in the upcoming Jilin Agricultural Expo to market local products and build trade partnerships.
Premier Mabuyane said the partnership goes beyond government-to-government relations and promotes the exchange of ideas, technology, and skills. He highlighted FAW Trucks SA s R200 million expansion at Coega and growing cooperation with Changchun Railway Vehicle Company as examples of tangible progress.
We want our partnership to result in factories built, jobs created, and skills transferred for shared prosperity and sustainable development,” he said.
