“Tourism and infrastructural development are the catalyst for economic investment and growth in the province,” says Economic Affairs and Tourism MEC Andre de Wet “and the 2010 soccer World Cup will be an opportunity to fast-track infrastructure development.”

He added that the province has a rare opportunity to showcase its unique heritage, cultural diversity and tourism resources, and start planning and preparing for the historic occasion.

“Tourism remains a huge untapped opportunity for the province and all efforts should and will be made to ensure that this sector grows and is given the necessary support.”

He said key projects have been identified to ensure that the infrastructure added significantly to the province's economic growth and development opportunities.

These projects included the East London-Umtata rail link which aims to grow the province's forestry potential and other sectoral opportunities, and the planned upgrading of the rail link between Port Elizabeth and Gauteng, which would support the Coega development initiative.

The East London-Umtata project is set for completion in September.

Other rail and road linkages were also under consideration.

"Economic infrastructure is the key means to attracting investment in the province," he said.

The MEC added that national government, parastatals and local governments would continue to make the province’s two Industrial Development Zones investor-friendly destinations.

Job creation and skills development would continue as infrastructure development in these projects would be implemented in line with the Expanded Public Works Programme policy.

Provincial initiatives would continue to give priority to black economic empowerment, through the delivery of all provincial government programmes, projects and procurement processes.

Previously disadvantaged women in the small, medium and micro enterprise sectors would be primary beneficiaries in the proposed Women's Fund announced by Premier Nosimo Balindlela.

Also speaking in the Legislature, Safety and Transport MEC Thobile Mhlahlo said an amount of R250 million, available through a partnership with the European Union, had been allocated to fighting crime against women and children.

The partnership is aimed at refurbishing and establishing women and children victim support centres at various police stations throughout the province.