The strengthening of international trade partnerships took centre stage as Zandile Myeni, Deputy Mayor of eThekwini Municipality, hosted a high-level engagement with Alain Gringoire and Catherine Bauwens at the Durban City Hall.

The meeting marked a significant step toward deepening economic and diplomatic relations between South Africa and Belgium.

As the only metropolitan municipality in KwaZulu-Natal, eThekwini holds a unique position, characterised by a substantial portion of rural land. Deputy Mayor Myeni highlighted this as a strategic advantage, noting that expanding investment in agriculture could unlock economic opportunities, empower rural communities, and strengthen food security. This approach aligns with broader goals of inclusive economic growth within the region.

In addition to agriculture, discussions placed strong emphasis on transforming Durban into a safe and smart city. By integrating advanced technologies into urban planning and service delivery, eThekwini aims to improve public safety, enhance infrastructure efficiency, and position itself as a forward-looking investment destination. Collaboration with Belgian partners is expected to bring valuable expertise in smart city innovation and sustainable urban development.

A key outcome of the meeting was a mutual commitment to explore the establishment of a sister city partnership between Durban and Liège. Such a partnership would facilitate long-term cooperation in trade, investment, cultural exchange, and knowledge sharing, strengthening ties between the two cities.

This developing relationship signals a broader strategy by eThekwini Municipality to expand its global footprint and attract international partnerships that drive economic development. By leveraging its geographic strengths and embracing innovation, Durban is positioning itself as a key gateway for trade and collaboration between Africa and Europe.