The Ambassador of South Africa is eyeing a twinning agreement between his country and the province of Pampanga on agriculture, fishery and manufacturing industry.
This was gleaned during the courtesy visit of His Excellency Ambassador Martin Slabber to Governor Lilia G. Pineda at the Provincial
Capitol recently.
The two officials also talked on how to strengthen the cooperation and connection between South Africa and Pampanga in terms of
agriculture and investment.
The Ambassador was welcomed also by Provincial Administrator Atty. Andres S. Pangilinan, Jr., historian Fray Francis Musngi and Board Member Ananias Canlas Jr.
In between their talks, the ambassador told the governor about the similarities between his country and the province such as in
the agriculture sector where Africans grow and eat corn as their staple food.
The diplomat realized this similarity upon reading the profile of Pampanga and the possible opportunities the similarities may bring to their country and the province.
“I saw the possible collaboration of affinities between Pampanga and South African provinces particularly in the fields of fishing and
agriculture, and that’s why I’m here today just to speak to the governor about some of these opportunities and how we can take them forward,” the ambassador said.
The ambassador and Governor Pineda also talked about projects of joint research in agriculture and aquaculture which is a growing
industry in South Africa.
Slabber recognized the province as one of the strongest producers of aquaculture produce in the country.
Furthermore, he said that the Philippines’ economy is growing strong for the past days.
“This country has the fastest growing economy in Asia,” he added.
Governor Pineda also said that the provincial government officials might visit South Africa to study the situation and practices that
can be adapted to the province’s practices for innovation especially in agriculture, aquaculture and handicraft making.
“They also offered us to visit their country to study their practices and compare it with ours,” she said. –Philip Ocampo