Business Co-operation Forum, Cape Town International Convention Centre
22 June 2006
Mr Wen Jiabao, Premier of the Peopleâs Republic of China,
Ms Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, Deputy President of the Republic of South
Africa,
Mr Li Zhaoxing, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Peopleâs Republic of
China,
Mr Bo Xilai, Minister of Commerce of the Peopleâs Republic of China,
Mr Aziz Pahad, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of South Africa,
Members of the portfolio committee of Foreign Affairs,
Members of the portfolio committee of Trade and Industry,
Members of parliament,
Ministers and members of the official delegation from China,
Distinguished members of the business community and academia of China and South
Africa;
2. Brief remarks on the South Africa â China economic relationship:
South Africa and China have established a solid relationship over the past
years and this relationship extends to the economic realm. It is a pleasure to
see so many businesses here today from South Africa, who have obviously
recognised that China is an important global player and provides many
opportunities for establishing partnerships in investment and trade in a wide
range of sectors. South Africa extends its warmest welcome to the strong
business delegation from China here to explore opportunities in this beautiful
country of ours.
It is in the nature of our modern world and our deep friendship that we have
both challenges and opportunities in achieving our economic development
objectives. South Africa is a small developing country with big aspirations. We
have emerged from a closed and isolated economy and have actively pursued
policies to integrate ourselves into the global economy. We believe that doing
so is the only way to develop into a competitive and productive economy. Of
course this has and continues to entail overcoming many challenges and some of
our businesses are feeling the pain of the transition. We continue to face
immense challenges of creating employment and an inclusive economic environment
that will enable us to eliminate poverty. South Africa is keenly aware that we
cannot prosper in isolation so that we must ensure not only our own economic
development success but also that of our neighbours and the African continent
as a whole. We are also keenly aware that we need partners, as investors and
trading partners. And we look toward countries like China for such a
partnership.
As our relationship continues to flourish and deepen, we hope that China
will be receptive to our environment and will build a long lasting strategic
partnership with us for mutual benefit. I believe China understands where we
are coming from as it has long been a supporter of our struggle for freedom. I
believe China understands that we must redress the imbalances of our past
through broad-based black economic empowerment (BBBEE) and rapid skills
development in order to be successful. I also believe that China is willing and
able to assist us through investment, technology and skills transfer and
constructive partnerships. I know this to be true because of Chinaâs
willingness to forge an agreement with us to assist our struggling clothing and
textiles sector. China is furthermore keen to enter into discussions with the
South African Customs Union (SACU) on how to achieve preferential market access
to each others markets in a way that will be sensitive to our challenges and
will harness those opportunities in areas where they exist. South Africa
welcomes this approach.
3. Closing
In economic terms we are new friends and we are continually feeling out
opportunities for better co-operation in trade and investment. This forum is
neither the first nor the last attempt at identifying these. I hope that the
discussions today will help provide greater insight into each otherâs
countries, cultures and markets and will yield tangible and sustainable
partnership outcomes. China has brought a strong delegation of businesses from
a range of sectors and I believe that South Africa is ready to do business with
you.
It is a great honour for us to welcome Premier Wen Jiabao, Minister of
Commerce Bo Xilai and their distinguished delegation of Ministers, officials
and business people from China here today and it is my sincere wish that the
outcome of your visit will be fruitful in terms of establishing new
partnerships, firming up existing relations and looking towards a profitable
future for the business relationship between our two countries, whether here,
further a field in Africa, in China or the global environment at large.
Thank you!
Issued by: Ministry of Trade and Industry
22 June 2006
