Beijing - Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe says the relationship between South Africa and China is growing from strength to strength as the two countries celebrate 15 years of diplomatic relations.
Opening the 5th bi-national commission in Beijing, Motlanthe said that the relationship between the two countries had gone from a partnership to a strategic one and finally to a comprehensive strategic partnership.
Motlanthe said China had, since the last bi-national commission was held in Cape Town in 2010, become South Africa’s single largest trading partner and China‘s largest trading partner in Africa.
He mentioned the collaboration between China South Rail and Transnet locomotives, which would act as a catalyst for the revival of South Africa’s own locomotive manufacturing sector and stimulate associated industries such as steel fabrication and engineering sectors.
The deputy president said that South Africa would like to see greater participation of Chinese companies in sectors such as renewable energy, mining, banking, manufacturing and rail infrastructure.
Opening the 5th bi-national commission in Beijing, Motlanthe said that the relationship between the two countries had gone from a partnership to a strategic one and finally to a comprehensive strategic partnership.
Motlanthe said China had, since the last bi-national commission was held in Cape Town in 2010, become South Africa’s single largest trading partner and China‘s largest trading partner in Africa.
He mentioned the collaboration between China South Rail and Transnet locomotives, which would act as a catalyst for the revival of South Africa’s own locomotive manufacturing sector and stimulate associated industries such as steel fabrication and engineering sectors.
The deputy president said that South Africa would like to see greater participation of Chinese companies in sectors such as renewable energy, mining, banking, manufacturing and rail infrastructure.