As part of the South Africa/China international business relations initiative, the Premier of Limpopo, Mr Cassel Mathale, launched the R600 million Musina China Wholesale Centre at Musina Industrial Site on Sunday afternoon.

The initiative will provide approximately 400 permanent job opportunities.

Construction on the site began immediately on Sunday and the first phase is expected to be completed by August 31 this year, while trade activities will start in October. Developed by the Ateic International Property Group, the Musina China Wholesale Centre covers a total area of approximately 100 000 square meters.

Ateic International Property Group Chairman Peter Zhang said phase 1 of the project would occupy approximately 35 000 square meters, which would include 223 shops and auxiliary facilities.

“Phase 2 of the project comprises storage area, a light industrial zone, logistics area, hotel, bus station and supporting residential apartment zone to form a big wholesale city. We are planning to develop this centre into a prosperous business destination where businessmen can gather and establish trade relations with ease.

"In line with the expansion of border trade and the commercial opportunities regarding the development of wholesale malls, this development will allow neighbouring countries to purchase a wide variety of commodities. This will create prosperity for the South African border region and strengthen trade with neighbouring countries. There are no large trade wholesale malls in any border cities or towns in South Africa. Since border trade is one of the successful factors in China’s rapid economic growth, it should be a greater development pattern for South Africa too.”

When launching the project, Premier Mathale said Musina was one of South Africa’s best northern growth points, which introduced some new vitality into the economic development of South Africa as well.

Mathale says the Musina China Wholesale Centre will promote economic growth towards a new golden era in Limpopo.

“This initiative communicates in practical terms the partnership between the government and the business sector to provide sustainable job opportunities to our people. 2011 is the year of job creation and we will continue to engage all role players to make sure that we grow a sustainable economy in Limpopo. This initiative will provide a large business opportunity for South African businessmen, including Chinese businessmen in South Africa, and it is a major boost to the Limpopo provincial economic development. This project is in realization of the Southern African Development Community (SADC)’s mentality of a Free Trade Area in Southern Africa.”

Mayor Caroline Mahasela said the development would have many economic benefits for the people of Musina.

“Besides being convenient for local residents, it will provide much-needed jobs, particularly for the previously unemployed. We acknowledge that this development is as one of our best achievements, reflecting on the history of the economic development of Musina. We are excited to be part of this groundbreaking industrial development, which is bringing economic relief to our people. The success of the development will open the gateway for investors to put their money into Musina and help create the kind of South Africa we all want to live in.This investment will remain a lasting legacy to the community Musina which has already had a significant impact on the already booming economy of the town.”