A trade delegation from Durban in South Africa visiting Coventry this week will be hosted by Coventry City Council today to look at ways to develop joint business ventures.

The delegation which includes local councillors are here in Coventry to learn about public/private partnerships between local government and other sectors such as universities, chambers of commerce and voluntary and community groups.

The City Council has organised a series of seminars during the day highlighting public-private partnership initiatives on housing services, refuse collection, recycling and energy, and regeneration.

Councillor John Fletcher Leader of Coventry City Council said:

"Coventry has proved that public-private partnerships help to provide better services for local people. That’s why I am certain our guests will gain valuable information about partnerships and that we can continue out trade co-operation with Durban in the future."

Civic and trade representatives from Coventry visited Durban in South Africa in February earlier this year.

The City Council has been active in seeking ways that partners could support a major business education and economic development project in South Africa. The four year, scheme is funded by the EU and was initiated by Coventry University called TABEISA (Technical Assistance and Business Education in South Africa).