Durban has taken a bold step to elevate the city’s global footprint, with eThekwini Mayor Councillor Cyril Xaba hosting an inaugural engagement with 18 Consuls General based in KwaZulu-Natal. The engagement was held at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre earlier this month.
The high-level meeting marked a decisive push to position eThekwini as a competitive international player, anchored on five strategic priorities namely: enhancing economic diplomacy, strengthening city-to-city partnerships, promoting Durban globally, advancing knowledge exchange, and mobilising development support.
Mayor Xaba emphasised that integrating diplomacy into the City’s development agenda is key to unlocking international markets and investment opportunities.
He highlighted Durban’s strategic geographic location and its growing connectivity as critical drivers of economic growth.
“We have aligned local priorities with national foreign policy and global frameworks such as the Sustainable Development Goals and African Union Agenda 2063. The expansion of the harbour will further cement Durban’s role as a premier maritime gateway to the African continent,” said Mayor Xaba.
To deepen co-operation, the city will host an annual Diplomatic Corps Summit focused on trade, infrastructure, climate resilience and the oceans economy.
This will be complemented by quarterly thematic roundtable engagements tackling key sectors including the green economy, climate action, maritime logistics, tourism, innovation, technology and smart cities.
Mayor Xaba reiterated that these efforts are aimed at boosting investment inflows, expanding partnership agreements, and strengthening Durban’s presence within global networks.
The engagement drew participation from Consuls General representing countries including China, France, the United States, India, the United Kingdom, Spain and several others, alongside industry leaders and municipal officials.
Dean of the Diplomatic Corps in KwaZulu-Natal, Alain Gringoire, welcomed the initiative, noting the importance of collaboration in driving inclusive growth and mutual benefit.
The city also underscored the importance of aggressive marketing, leveraging its unique heritage and strengthening safety and security measures to position Durban as a top destination for both domestic and international tourism.
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