SA, China to deepen co-operation
26 September 2007
Chinese Vice President Zeng Qinghong and South African Deputy President Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka co-chaired the third meeting of the China-South Africa Bi-National Commission on Monday, vowing to deepen cooperation between the two countries.
Zeng proposed that China and South Africa strengthen political consultation and enterprises exchanges and increase cooperation on human resources, agriculture and poverty eradication.
Zeng noted that the two countries had expanded cooperation on trade, culture, science and public health since they established their strategic partnership in 2004. According to SA government figures, South Africa exported goods worth R14-billion to China in 2006, while importing goods worth R46.7-billion.
It was agreed during the meeting that the China-Africa Development Fund would be used to encourage companies from both countries to promote trade and investment in areas such as minerals, energy, infrastructure
development, machinery, home appliances, agro-processing, tourism and finance
Agreements in the fields of education, minerals and energy, human resource management, public administration and training were also signed by various ministers from the two countries.
According to SA's Presidency, China is to donate R20-million for education projects in South Africa, including building a vocational training centre. The SA-China education committee reported an increase in both the number of Chinese students studying in SA and of South African students studying in China.
SAinfo reporter and BuaNews
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