By Phenyo Selinda
Beijing, China – This week marks an important diplomatic engagement for South Africa as President Cyril Ramaphosa undertakes a State Visit to the People’s Republic of China from 2 to 5 September 2024. The visit, held at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping, is not only a testament to the enduring ties between the two nations but also serves as a platform for South Africa to strengthen its economic and strategic relations with China.
A Robust Diplomatic Agenda
President Ramaphosa’s visit comes on the heels of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s State Visit to South Africa in August 2023, which celebrated 25 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries. These relations have flourished, with China standing as South Africa’s largest global trading partner, and South Africa being China’s leading trading partner in Africa. Bilateral trade has seen remarkable growth, escalating from R614 billion in 2022 to R692 billion in 2023, a clear indicator of the strong economic ties between the two nations.
The State Visit will begin with a ceremonial welcome at the Great Hall of the People, followed by bilateral discussions aimed at deepening cooperation across various sectors. A significant aspect of this visit will be the signing of agreements focused on enhancing economic collaboration and implementing technical cooperation, particularly in human settlements, agriculture, and science and technology.
Strategic Economic Diplomacy
On 3 September 2024, President Ramaphosa will visit Shenzhen, an economic technology hub in Guangdong Province. This visit underscores South Africa’s commitment to economic diplomacy, with the President scheduled to interact with industry leaders and tour the headquarters of leading tech companies. The visit to Shenzhen is a strategic move aimed at fostering technological collaboration and investment between South Africa and China.
The following day, President Ramaphosa will address the South Africa-China Business Forum in Beijing. This engagement is crucial as it provides an opportunity for South African businesses to explore new avenues for trade and investment with China, further solidifying the economic partnership between the two countries.
FOCAC Summit: A Platform for African Development
The President’s visit will culminate in his participation in the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Summit, held under the theme “Joining Hands to Advance Modernisation and Build a High-Level China-Africa Community with a Shared Future.” This summit, taking place on 4 and 5 September, is a pivotal event that brings together African leaders to discuss and shape the future of China-Africa relations.
At the FOCAC Summit, President Ramaphosa will co-chair a High-Level Panel Seminar on “Accompanying Africa in Industrialisation, Agricultural Modernisation and Green Development to Embark on the Path to Modernisation.” This seminar aligns with South Africa’s and the African Union’s development agendas, particularly the AU’s Agenda 2063, which outlines the continent’s aspirations for growth and prosperity.
A key outcome of the summit will be the issuance of a Declaration and Action Plan for 2025-2027, which will guide the future trajectory of China-Africa cooperation. South Africa’s role in these discussions is driven by its commitment to advancing Africa’s developmental interests, particularly in areas like industrialization, technology, and sustainable development.
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