Automotive, international cooperation and education, culture, sports. These are the themes of the mission of a Delegation from the Gauteng Province (Republic of South Africa) in Reggio Emilia in May 2017.
In particular, technological innovation, territorial development and competitiveness are the areas of the Cooperation Agreement between the Economic Development Agency of the Gauteng and E35 Foundation for International Projects of Reggio Emilia.
The Agreement is one of the outcomes of the mission promoted by the Municipality of Reggio Emilia and the Emilia-Romagna Region last October in South Africa and further strengthens the relationship between South Africa - in particular the Province of Gauteng, the most significant in terms of economic growth - and Reggio Emilia.
The Agreement aims to foster the competitiveness, innovation and development of both territories, together with investment opportunities and support for the internationalization of the territories. It will aim to implement cooperation between SMEs, cooperatives, businesses, universities, research centres and actors involved in local economic development. Among the goals are the support to exchange activities, including public tenders, service bidding and works contracts.
Representatives of the automotive sector from South Africa visited local companies for the realisation of an integrated repair-garage that will be built in Gauteng with the support of Reggio Emilia's businesses.
Particularly relevant was the meeting about education at the International Loris Malaguzzi Centre, where the South African delegation had a chance to meet Reggio Children and to talk about the seminar "Reggio Emilia Approach to Education" that will be held in Johannesburg from 20th to 22nd of June.
Thanks to the Growing Together project funded by the Emilia-Romagna Region, the delegation brought in Reggio also South African companies for exploring opportunities of further businesses and collaborations.
