29 October 2013
Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe, in his opening address at the 5th South Africa-China Bi-National Commission in Beijing on Monday, called for greater participation by Chinese companies in renewable energy, mining, banking, manufacturing and rail infrastructure in South Africa.
This, he said, would help to stimulate the South African economy through local procurement of inputs, technology transfers and skills development.
Motlanthe, who is co-chairing the two-day meeting along with Chinese Vice-President Li Yuanchao, said the results of the strategic partnership between the two countries “speak for themselves, as China has become South Africa’s single largest trading partner in the world, and South Africa, China’s largest trading partner in Africa”.
Motlanthe told the delegates that South Africa’s destiny was inextricably linked with that of the African continent.
“As such, we look forward to more partnerships between South African and Chinese state-owned enterprises. Such partnership will contribute towards regional development and integration, as espoused by the African Union and its constituent regional economic communities.”
During Monday’s meeting, the two countries signed agreements to cooperate in the areas of human resources development and tourism.
Motlanthe’s delegation in Beijing includes Public Service and Administration Minister Lindiwe Sisulu, Tourism Minister Marthinus van Schalkwyk, Mineral Resources Minister Susan Shabangu, Deputy International Relations Minister Ebrahim Ebrahim, Deputy Energy Minister Barbara Thomson, Deputy Trade and Industry Minister Thandi Tobias-Pokolo, and Deputy Public Enterprises Minister Bulelani Mangwanishe.
SAinfo reporter
