Pretoria - The relationship between China and Africa is based on more than just trade - it is a partnership that is aligned to Africa’s development goals.
This is according to Minister in the Presidency responsible for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation Jeff Radebe during the inaugural China-Africa Media Summit held in Cape Town on Tuesday.
He told delegates at the summit that media leaders from both China and Africa have an opportunity to frame win-win solutions that would deepen the positive trajectory of co-operation and development.
“We also invite our Chinese friends to partner with us in championing development in the continent through new business ventures, infrastructure development, media capacity development and many other areas of mutual interest.
“Together we can take Africa and China forward in positive ways that have never been imagined before,” he said.
Minister Radebe said Africa has been branded as a continent of doom characterised by malnourished babies, poverty, crime, conflict and squalor.
“Yes, these problems do exist in our continent like in many other parts of the world and their adverse impact is severe to individuals and communities across our land. However, it is also our duty to tell the good story that would help change the negative narrative to an Africa that is a land of opportunities and potential, rich with unique cultural diversity and resources that could be harnessed effectively for the benefit of all our people and contribute to a better world,” he said.
Africa is one of the few continents that are currently experiencing continuous economic growth as measured through average Gross Domestic Product of about 5%, which is projected to continue improving into the future against the recent global economic recession and financial meltdown.
“We are all duty-bound to ensure that the benefits of this unprecedented economic growth are translated into real socio-economic development for all our people.
“It is greatly encouraging that in recent times, Africa has witnessed significant reduction in headline poverty levels due to progressive policies that are increasingly being implemented by African governments in partnership with their global strategic partners such as the People’s Republic of China,” said Minister Radebe.
He said South African government appreciates the Chinese people, businesses and government for their interest to partner with African countries through mutually beneficial mechanisms like the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).
South Africa is the co-chair of the FOCAC and Minister Radebe said government is looking forward to hosting the Johannesburg Summit, and the Sixth Ministerial Meeting of FOCAC in Johannesburg from 3 to 5 December 2015.
The theme for the summit is ‘Africa-China Progressing Together: Win-Win Cooperation for Common Development’.
He said the FOCAC meeting will be an opportunity to further stimulate growth and unlock new opportunities between China and Africa on trade and cooperation.
“Africa and China have forged strong economic relations, particularly since 2009 when China became the continent’s largest trading partner,” he said. - SAnews.gov.za
