By Nangamso Mabindla
14 July 2004

A DELEGATION of four from the Chinese city of Qinhuangdao is visiting Buffalo City to see what the city has to offer potential investors.

They dropped in on the city's executive mayor, Sindisile Maclean, at the East London city hall on Tuesday 13 July.

The mayor told his visitors Buffalo City "offered a lot - not only in terms of business but in the attitudes of the citizens".

"We are a people-centred city. Our people are friendly and always willing to welcome people with a Buffalo City smile," Maclean said.

He assured the delegates that investors would be welcomed.

"We know you have only come here to have a look at the city's potential but we are happy nonetheless that you even considered coming to Buffalo City."

The delegation was hosted by the East London Industrial Development Zone and representatives of Universal Auto Glass - a Chinese business.

Universal Auto Glass's president, Lingyu Meng, said: "We are happy with our decision to have a factory in Fort Jackson. We are also happy with the people and everything the city has offered us."

The delegation viewed business sites around the city and on the West Bank.

Wu Guo Qing, the general manager of Qinguan Radian Mirror in Qinhuangdao, said the city had a lot to offer investors.

"It's not only in terms of the infrastructure, but the warmth shown by the people towards visitors here.

"Basically we are impressed with the city. Buffalo City could be a good place for investment," he said.