China celebrates South Africa Week
Bathandwa Mbola
9 April 2008
China is celebrating "South Africa Week" to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
Speaking in the Guangdong Province capital of Guangzhou on Monday, South African Agriculture and Land Affairs Minister Lulama Xingwana said this week's unprecedented series of events had been endorsed at the highest levels of government.
"It bears testimony to the importance that we place on our partnership with China and illustrates the ever-increasing range and depth of political, economic, financial, social, and cultural relations that we enjoy together," Xingwana said.
The celebrations will be hosted in Hong Kong, Shanghai and Beijing until Saturday.
The week's events include a fashion and jewellery show displaying South Africa's cutting-edge design capabilities, cultural performances exhibiting the country's indigenous arts, and a food and wine week showcasing its unique indigenous cuisine.
A number of senior South African officials from sectors such as trade, tourism, education and business will be visiting China, and vice-versa.
China's bilateral trade with South Africa grew to over R40-billion in 2005.
South African exports to China grew from R7.85-million in 1996 to well over R8.5-billion in 2005, while imports surged from R2.4-million to R31.5-billion over the same period.
Chinese investments into South Africa are currently tabled at US$130-million, mostly in chromium mining, while South Africa's investments in China are totalled at $400-million. This includes investments by Anglo American, SAB Miller, and a $120-million investment by property group LRPS.
Apart from the potential for trade in commodities and value-added goods between South Africa and China, there is also potential for sharing development initiatives as both countries undergo a blossoming of their economies.
Source: BuaNews
