Mandisi Mpahlwa on the Occasion of the China-South Africa Business Co-operation Forum, Cape Town International Convention Centre, 22 June 2006

Mr Wen Jiabao, Premier of the People's Republic of China,
Ms Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, Deputy President of the Republic of South Africa,
Mr Li Zhaoxing, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China,
Mr Bo Xilai, Minister of Commerce of the People's 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;

1. Brief remarks on the South Africa - 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 China's 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.

2. 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 other's 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