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20 April 2008

South African Foreign Minister, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma and Deputy Foreign Minister, Aziz Pahad will on Monday, 21 April 2008 hold bilateral political, economic and trade discussions with Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi in Beijing, People's Republic of China.

The visit to China comes within the context of the 10th Anniversary celebrations of diplomatic relations between South Africa and the People's Republic of China. In this regard, issues on the agenda of discussions between Ministers Dlamini Zuma and Yang Jiechi are expected to include, among others:

* the status of bilateral political, economic and trade relations between the two countries
* the status of China–Africa relations
* developments within Africa, including peacekeeping, conflict resolution and a brief on socio-economic conditions
* developments within Asia; and
* other issues of mutual interest.

Minister Dlamini Zuma and Deputy Minister Pahad will also on conclusion of discussions with Minister Yang, from Monday to Tuesday, 21 to 22 April 2008 hold annual consultations with South Africa's Ambassadors and High Commissioner based in the Asia and Middle East region in Beijing to brief them about national, regional and international developments.

Minister Dlamini Zuma will furthermore address the Chinese Academy of Sciences on Wednesday, 23 April 2008 and officially open the new South African Consulate-General in Shanghai led by our Consul-General Vika Khumalo on Friday, 25 April 2008.

South Africa will also be participating in the Shangai Expo. President Thabo Mbeki in 2006 said, "Our strategic partnership should strive for a fair and equitable global trading system that is characterised by transparency, good corporate governance, predictability and poverty alleviation and eradication.

"As we redefine our relationship and seek trade and investment opportunities of mutual benefit, we must adopt a dynamic approach to our strategic partnership so that we all win in Africa, with Africa and similarly win in China, with China.

"A winning partnership is surely one in which we encourage sustainable trade and investment while promoting a better life for all within sustainable human settlements. Peace and friendship will surely flourish when we empower and uplift the poorest of the poor from hunger and unemployment, disease, homelessness, illiteracy and environmental degradation," concluded President Mbeki.

Since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1998, trade between China and South Africa has grown significantly, with China becoming South Africa's second largest import trading partner in 2005, comprising 9 percent of total imports and eighth largest export partner, comprising 3 percent of total exports from South Africa. In fact both imports and exports grew 30 percent in 2005 compared to 2004. China still enjoys a massive trade surplus with South Africa - in 2005 imports from China totalled R 31 476 million, while exports came to R 8 763 million.

China represents an enormous opportunity for South Africa and Africa, but at the same time poses certain challenges. The sheer size of the Chinese market, its untapped potential, its population size, its explosive growth, its membership of the United Nations Security Council and its emergence as a major global power all present opportunities. China is also a key player in the expansion of South-South co-operation as we seek to maximise the opportunities presented by globalisation and reduce the negative effects. China can be a key ally in the fight to reform the international political, financial and trade architecture (in the United Nations, International Monetary Fund, and World Trade Organisation).

Enquiries:
Ronnie Mamoepa
Cell: 082 990 4853

Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs
20 April 2008
Source: Department of Foreign Affairs (http://www.dfa.gov.za/)