Johannesburg - China will cultivate fruit on 500 hectares of land in the Eastern Cape, the province's development corporation (ECDC) said on Tuesday.
"Eastern Cape's abundant agricultural land has seen China survey the province for farming business opportunities to supplement its scarce land resources," spokesperson Ikhona Mvaphantsi said.
The Yebo Africa Trading Hall (ATH) in Shangai, China, has entered into an agreement with the Alfred Nzo district municipality to use land in the area for pomelo citrus fruit cultivation.
The ATH is an entity formed by Chinese businessmen to facilitate trade between Africa and China, and is set to open its doors for trade in March 2011.
Alfred Nzo Development Agency CEO Nandipa Bam said local farmers would benefit from the agreement.
"We are looking at 500 hectares minimum, and since each farmer has about 10 hectares about 50 farmers will benefit directly. The project will bring job creation from primary production and spinoffs in packing, transportation and skills development," he said.
The fruit would be sold in the United States.
"Eastern Cape's abundant agricultural land has seen China survey the province for farming business opportunities to supplement its scarce land resources," spokesperson Ikhona Mvaphantsi said.
The Yebo Africa Trading Hall (ATH) in Shangai, China, has entered into an agreement with the Alfred Nzo district municipality to use land in the area for pomelo citrus fruit cultivation.
The ATH is an entity formed by Chinese businessmen to facilitate trade between Africa and China, and is set to open its doors for trade in March 2011.
Alfred Nzo Development Agency CEO Nandipa Bam said local farmers would benefit from the agreement.
"We are looking at 500 hectares minimum, and since each farmer has about 10 hectares about 50 farmers will benefit directly. The project will bring job creation from primary production and spinoffs in packing, transportation and skills development," he said.
The fruit would be sold in the United States.