Plans by the provincial government to welcome a delegation from the UAE to deepen ties in the midst of global trade uncertainty are well under way.
A high-ranking delegation from the Arab nation is set to arrive in the province on Friday, with the Bhisho Airport in Bulembu outside Qonce their port of entry.
These plans were announced last week after the provincial cabinet, which met on July 30, confirmed that a UAE delegation would visit the province for the second time in two years.
This visit will be followed by a trip to the Middle East nation by a provincial delegation led by premier Oscar Mabuyane.
Mabuyane has publicly called in recent weeks for SA to start seeking alternative commercial partners after US President Donald Trump’s 30% tariff adjustment on SA exports entering the US market.
A statement by Mabuyane’s office said the renewed diplomatic relations were part of a strategic mission aimed at attracting long-term investment, unlocking catalytic capital partnerships and deepening sustainable trade relations.
Since Saturday morning, officials from the provincial transport and home affairs departments have been stationed at the Bhisho Airport making preparations.
Residents in the area have noticed trucks, increased traffic and “lots of movements” at the airport.
“The activities there are mainly around the logistics relating to customs, getting the machinery on site, the personnel to do all that necessary clearance when they arrive,” provincial transport spokesperson Unathi Binqose said.
“We are yet to get a clear date on when exactly they will arrive in the country. That is subject to landing clearance from our colleagues at the Border Management Authority.”
Mabuyane’s office did not respond to questions.
The airport made headlines in 2023 when UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and a large entourage touched down there amid controversy over the legitimacy of the airport’s designation and the visit itself.
Asked about the province's relations with the UAE, economist Duma Gqubule said these matters should be looked at by the national government.
“We must search for new markets,” he said.
“But the other thing is that every country is trying to search for new markets. So it’s going to be crowded in those markets.
“Everybody’s looking to China and the UAE.
“So we must also be innovative in terms of what we do with this.
“I haven’t seen from the government a proper, comprehensive response to these tariffs.”
Daily Dispatch
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