By Nangamso Mabindla
EAST London, in Buffalo City, will host the first of a series of international trade and investment forums for Nepad (the New Partnership for Africa's Development) Economic Plan for Africa) in May.

The three-day conference from 25 to 27 May will focus on ways to attract foreign direct investment to Africa; implementing policies conducive to economic growth; improving the quality of trade-related technical assistance; and capacity building on the continent.

It is also aimed at opening new horizons for innovative thinking and creating new opportunities for investment.

The next conference will be held in Lagos, Nigeria, in December, with follow up conference being held in Tokyo, New York and Frankfurt in 2006.

"We are very excited at the prospect of hosting international delegates in our city," said Buffalo City's new Tourism Buffalo City acting head Darby Gounden. "It gives us a chance to showcase East London to the rest of the world."

Buffalo City intended to use the opportunity to position the city in the international tourism industry, Gounden said, pointing out that there would be huge economic spin offs for East London, which would be able to show off its attractions to conference delegates.

The conference will take place at the Regent Hotel on the Esplanade from 25 to 27 May. For more information contact Alida Phielix on +27 41 504 3789 or email alida.phielix@nmmu.ac.za.