Deputy President concludes first leg of the 7th SA-China BNC in Beijing, China
Deputy President David Mabuza has today, 31 October 2019, successfully concluded the first leg of the 7th South Africa-China Bi-National Commission (BNC) in Beijing.
The Deputy President will tomorrow depart Beijing for Shanghai, where he will embark on a drive to promote trade and investment between South Africa and China.
The 7th SA-China Bi-National Commission took place in the context of strengthening the bilateral political and economic relations between South Africa and China.
In line with implementation of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership existing between the two countries, the Bi-National Commission considered significant progress achieved in the implementation of resolutions passed at the 6th Bi-National Commission that took place in South Africa.
In this regard, the two countries have expressed much appreciation to progress achieved in areas such as, Science and Technology, Economy and Trade, Minerals, Energy, and Foreign Affairs.
On Science and Technology the two countries noted the established of the Joint Research Centres, Joint Laboratories, Joint Research Programmes, Flagship projects and joint policy dialogues and information exchanges to further promote cooperation in this area.
With regards to education and training, South Africa commended China for creating training opportunities for South African officials and technicians in line with the Action Plan on Human Resource Development.
Furthermore, the South African delegation also appreciated the contribution made by the Chinese government towards the refurbishment of the Technical and Vocational Education and Training institutions.
The two countries have further agreed to strengthen cooperation in the fields of ocean economy, oil, coal and renewable energy development.
Deputy President Mabuza further made a call for greater market access of South African value added products to China, in particular, agricultural products, to further expand on trade between the two countries.
Deputy President Mabuza took the opportunity to congratulate China, on their 70th commemoration marking the founding of the People’s Republic of China.
"Our mutual friendships and cordial relationship between our two countries should continue to grow from strength to strength. South Africa will remain a trusted partner to China for the benefit and prosperity of our two countries," said Deputy President Mabuza.
Whilst in Beijing the Deputy President and delegation had the opportunity to visit the Mao Zedong Memorial Site, the Forbidden City and the Great Wall of China.
On conclusion, the two countries have agreed to intensify consultations on a number of international issues in line with the shared vision of consolidating multilateralism, global peace and prosperity.
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