July 2, 2007
By George Matlala
THE prevention of HIV/Aids was on the agenda of a high-level meeting between representatives of Gauteng and the French region of Ile-de-France.
The French delegation, led by the region's president, Jean-Paul Huchon, met Gauteng Premier Mbhazima Shilowa to evaluate progress and build on the co-operation agreement the two regions entered into in 2001.
According to Shilowa, discussions focused on evaluating the relevance of current collaborations and identifying other issues the relationship could address.
"We don't want to have a long list," Shilowa said at the press briefing held before the first meeting on 2 July at his office in downtown Johannesburg.
Among those present were Angie Motshekga, the province's MEC for education, and Paul Mashatile, the MEC for finance.
Gauteng and Ile-de-France are working together on issues such as education and professional training, public transport, economic development and health. Gauteng will also use the partnership to promote trade between the two regions, Shilowa added.
Funding from the French partners supported major exhibitions at the Sci-Bono Discovery Centre in Newtown – an indication that the province was benefiting from the relationship.
French companies were also helping with the development of the rapid rail transport project, Gautrain, he added.
However, the relationship was not one-way. "We are learning a lot from South Africa too," said Huchon, noting that the delegation was visiting Gauteng to evaluate progress made on issues such as education and training and HIV/Aids prevention.
Ile-de-France faced similar challenges to those of Gauteng, he added. Among these were unemployment, a growing burden on transport infrastructure and safety and security.
Although the country was developing, Huchon noted that there was a need for professional training and education in areas such as health and environment. "Development is here, but there is still a need for professional training."
Focus would also be on preparations for the 2010 Fifa World Cup™, with the delegation sharing experiences from France's hosting of the tournament, in 1998.
Prevention of HIV is also on the agenda. France had developed one of the most powerful centres for prevention of the virus, offering people information about the disease and ways of fighting it, Huchon noted.
"South Africa is an engine of growth in Africa. We can develop French industries working with Gauteng."
The delegation will hold meetings with the province's various departments, including transport, education and health, during its four-day visit.
Permission to use web site material
Publishers may use material from this site free of charge, as long as:
- Credit is given to either the "City of Johannesburg website
(www.joburg.org.za)" or to "Johannesburg News Agency
(www.joburg.org.za)";
- If the article is used online, a link is provided to the original
article on this website;
- The name of the article's author is acknowledged;
-
The webmaster is informed of how and where the material is used (fill
in this brief online form).
Johannesburg News Agency is operated by BIG Media at 011-484-1400 |
