Shanghai – Home Affairs Minister Dr Nkosazana Dlamini will later today Saturday 16 October 2010 begin a four-day official visit to Shanghai, China where ahead of the official closing of the South African pavilion at the Shanghai Expo on Monday 18 October 2010. Minister Dlamini Zuma will be in China from Saturday to Tuesday, 16 to 19 October 2010.
Minister Dlamini Zuma reflecting upon her visit to the Shanghai Expo said, “The Expo which opened on 1 May 2010 under the theme ‘Better Cities, Better Life’, finds resonance in South Africa’s five key priorities – delivering education, healthcare, decent work, crime reduction and rural development.”
“Government appreciates that despite political stability, a sustainable solution to our developmental challenges must involve a partnership between ourselves and business to facilitate economic growth with a view to improving access to decent work opportunities and increased investment in other social services required by the people.”
“Accordingly, South Africa’s participation in the Expo aimed to build on the theme of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Under the umbrella of ‘the rise of a modern economy: Ke Nako - it is time!” the South African Pavilion at the Expo highlighted the vibrancy of the economy and demonstrated that South Africa is open for business.”
“We recognise that international exposure to South African business opportunities and products at the Shanghai Expo, together with the necessary frameworks between the two governments to facilitate and support trade and investment activities by the private sector could have a significant impact on the South African economy.”
“Through its participation at the Expo, South Africa became part of a dialogue around key topics – from better housing and efficient cities to investment opportunities in our priority sectors of mining and minerals, ICT, agro-processing, defence, security, energy and resource development.”
“South Africa’s hosting of the 2010 FIFA World Cup together with its participation at the Expo has enabled it to strategically showcase itself to the world with a view to creating an enabling environment to create better lives for all people who live in it.”
“It also contributed to the consolidation of bilateral political, economic and trade relations with China as a partner in our quest to create a better life for all our people.South Africa and China also commemorate 12 years of diplomatic relations in 2010,” concluded Minister Dlamini Zuma.
Minister Dlamini Zuma is expected to return to South Africa on Wednesday 20 October 2010.
