Deputy President Mlambo-Ngcuka to Co-Chair South Africa-China Binational Commission
Pretoria – Deputy President Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka will, on Saturday 22 September 2007, depart for the People’s Republic of China where she will co-chair the 3 rd session of the South Africa - China Binational Commission scheduled from Sunday to Wednesday 23 – 26 September 2007. During her visit Deputy President Mlambo-Ngcuka will also hold a series of bilateral political and economic discussions with the political and business leadership of China.
Deputy President Mlambo-Ngcuka is expected to be accompanied by Ministers Geraldine Fraser-Moleketi, Naledi Pandor, Lulu Xingwana, and Manto Tshabalala-Msimang, and Deputy Ministers Sue van der Merwe and Derek Hanekom.
Deputy President Mlambo-Ngcuka’s visit to China comes within the context of South Africa’s priority to strengthen political, trade and economic relations with China with a view to advancing the developmental agenda of the south. China is also a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council and an increasingly important player in global developments.
Engagement with China through the SA-China Bi-National Commission is expected to include:
Reviewing progress made since the signing of the Programme of Cooperation on Deepening the Strategic Partnership signed by President Thabo Mbeki and Premier Wen Jiabao in 2006;
Reviewing how economic relations can be advanced, encouraging the expansion of bilateral trade while ensuring balanced and mutually beneficial trade relations;
The Chinese Government support and assistance with regard to human capital development in the context of JIPSA and AsgiSA;
Constructive cooperation in addressing and promoting the interests of Africa through multilateral fora such as the G77 and China, and structures of the United Nations. As developing countries, both SA and China share similar positions with regard to the reform and governance of the global economic system;
Continued engagement on UN reform and cooperation within the context of the UN Security Council; and
Cooperation in addressing issues around conflict resolution in Africa, including Sudan.
While in China, Deputy President Mlambo-Ngcuka will also hold bilateral meetings with Chinese President Hu Jintao; Vice President Zeng Qinghong and Premier Wen Jiabao and attend the meeting of the Investment and Business Forum. The Deputy President will also deliver an address at the Tinghua University.
Bilateral Economic Relations
Since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1998, trade between China and South Africa has grown significantly from R5.2bn in 1998 to R60.7bn in 2006;
At the end of 2006 China became South Africa’s 6 th largest export partner, and number one import partner in Asia;
Both imports and exports grew over 30% in 2006 compared to 2005;
China still enjoys a trade surplus with SA, in 2006 imports from China totalled R46.7bn, while exports came to R14bn
Year
Exports
Imports
Total
Balance
1996
785, 150
2,396,743
3,181,893
-1,611,593
1997
907,220
3,190,095
4,097,315
-2,282,875
1998
913,461
4,347,047
5,260,508
-3,433,586
1999
1,657,646
5,010,606
6,668,252
-3,352,960
2000
2,410,801
6,935,164
9,345,965
-4,524,363
2001
3,829,982
9,098,558
12,928,540
-5,268,576
2002
4,744,393
14,266,388
19,010,781
-9,521,995
2003
6,704,340
16,600,250
23,304,590
-9,895,910
2004
6,580,392
23,021,153
29,601,545
-16,440,761
2005
8,763,191
31,476,631
40,239,822
-22,713,440
2006
14,019,861
46,718,798
60,738,659
-32,698,937
Figures in R 000
Issued by Ronnie Mamoepa on 082 990 4853
Department of Foreign Affairs
PO Box X152
Pretoria
0001
