South Africa's major challenge is to address poverty and unemployment, through the creation of many more job opportunities. Economic Development Minister Ebrahim Patel who is also acting Minister of Trade and Industry has said this. He was speaking last night at SA-China Business Dinner that was hosted by the Chinese Embassy in Pretoria. The event was in honour of the visit of His Excellency Wu Bangguo the Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress of China who is on a four-day visit to South Africa. He was accompanied by a group of 68 senior business men and women.
Minister Patel said that the Comprehensive Strategy Partnership (CSP) that was signed by President Jacob Zuma last year and his Chinese counterpart Hu Jinato could contribute positively in addressing poverty and unemployment.
'The CSP committed among others to concerted effort between the two countries to develop a balanced trade profile and encourage trade in manufactured value-added products. It also committed to assist in securing funding for industrial development and small business development at concessionary rates in order to promote sustainable development', said Patel.
Minister Patel has also urged negotiators from both SA and China to conclude the current bilateral discussion between the developmental institutions. He said this would enable South Africans to find ways to tap into the Chinese capital markets, as well as investment in our productive sectors.
'I urge negotiators from both countries to conclude the discussions as soon as possible and on terms that help to strengthen the commitments in the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between our countries and for the benefit of our joint developmental agenda', added Minister Patel.
The event was amongst others the Deputy Ministers of Trade and Industry, Elizabeth Thabethe and Dirco's Marius Fransman, Deputy Minister of Commerce of the People's Republic of China Mr Fu Ziying and the President of Business Unity South Africa (BUSA) Ms Futhi Mtoba.
For more information contact:
Sidwell Medupe
Cell: 079 4921774
E-mail MSMedupe@thedti.gov.za
Source: Department of Trade and Industry
