The Government and Business Delegations of China's Shandong Province headed by their governor departed Cape Town today July 21st after a fruitful three-day visit to the Western Cape Province.

The Shandong Delegations arrived at Cape Town International Airport on 19th of July and were warmly welcomed by Ms. TANG Guizhi, Acting Consul General of China, Ms. Essop, MEC for Environment Planning and Economic Development and other local officials.

The Shandong Business Delegation was ushered into spotlight by the Shandong-Western Cape Business and Trade Cooperation Forum in the Cape Southern Sun Hotel in the morning of July 20, 2006. With the presence of the Governor and Premier, the Acting Consul General of China, MEC Essop and Mr. Dockrat, CEO of Wesgro, 12 Contracts were signed with a total value of 280 million USD.

Bilateral meeting between Governor Han and the Western Cape Premier were held later in the Castle of Good Hope in the evening. And it was again participated by the Acting Consul General of China, Ministers of Shandong and MECs of the Western Cape. Both sides emphasized the need to strengthen the ties already existed between the two provinces and agreed to further their cooperation on economic and trade programs, investment, energy, agriculture, fishery, tourism, health and education.

After the meeting, Premier Rasool hosted a banquet for the delegation in the Castle. He said this historic place would be marked by the friendship between the two provinces and two countries and he would like to tell everyone in the Western Cape and on the continent of South Africa that Shandong is a partner and China is a friend.