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NMBM ripe for South Korean investment opportunities

Nelson Mandela Bay Mayor, Gary Van Niekerk hosted South Korean Ambassador Chull-Joo Park in Gqeberha on Thursday. Front row: Shuling Lindoor (MMC: EDTA), Chull-Joo Park (South Korean Ambassador), Gary Van Niekerk (Executive Mayor), and Babalwa Lobishe (

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Nelson Mandela Bay Mayor Gary van Niekerk hosted the South Korean Ambassador, Chull-Joo Park on a courtesy visit to Gqeberha on Thursday.

Park and a delegation from South Korea are looking for a home base for car manufacturing brands Hyundai and Kia, among other investment opportunities.

Gqeberha is considered the automotive hub in SA and is home to automotive manufacturers Volkswagen, Ford, and Isuzu.

Park said car production was one of the promising areas of cooperation between South Korea and South Africa.

"You have good infrastructure, and many companies are already operating here.

"While I am not in a position to decide, I can promote and facilitate. After I engaged with the municipality, I found that we can cooperate to the same end. "

Van Niekerk said the Automotive Industry Development Centre Eastern Cape (AIDC) set up the meeting between the two parties.

He said Park had already met with Premier Oscar Mabuyane, who will spearhead a visit to South Korea in October.

The South African delegation will visit Hyundai, Kia, and Samsung Electronics.

"This was not just a meet and greet but an opportunity for us to concretize a couple of deals by the end of October.

"When we visit, we will sign an agreement in terms of economic development," said Van Niekerk.

The South Korean delegation was also taken on a tour of the Port of Nqura.