Jiang's Trip to Foster Ties, Trade with South AfricaPresident Jiang Zemin's upcoming visit to South Africa is expected to strengthen relations between the two countries that have long been friends, according to Christopher Dlamini, South Africa's ambassador to China.The ambassador left for South Africa April 23 to make final preparations for Jiang's visit. China and South Africa established full diplomatic relations in early 1998. "President Jiang's visit will foster the development of bilateral ties and explore new areas of cooperation," Dlamini said. "Our strong relationship is underpinned by strong economic ties." "With advanced technology and rich experience, China has proved to be a friend and consistent supporter of South Africa. We shall now focus more on direct investment," he said. According to the ambassador, bilateral trade volume rose from US$14 million in 1992 to US$1.6 billion in 1998. South Africa is China's largest trading partner in Africa and is the only African country within China's top 25 trading partners worldwide. "Chinese companies are encouraged to invest and develop South Africa," said the ambassador. Dlamini listed shoe and furniture manufacturing, and agriculture and fishing as areas ready for Chinese investment and joint ventures. He also said South Africa's mining industry had great potential for development and investment. Boasting some of the best mining technology in the world, South Africa foresees great opportunities for cooperation in the sector between the two countries, said Dlamini. He also indicated that South Africa could help with China's plan to develop its western regions. "South African is good at road construction," Dlamini said. "Our companies could work with Chinese partners to build high quality roads in coastal or inland areas of China." The ambassador also revealed that China and South Africa are expected to sign four agreements during President Jiang's visit, including an accord on culture, and scientific exchanges, an agreement on agricultural cooperation, a protocol to avoid double taxation, and an agreement on police cooperation. |
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