Pretoria - Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa was on Sunday leading a South African delegation on an official visit to China.
The visit from 13-17 July will focus on economic and trade matters, specifically, on how state-owned enterprises can be utilised to promote economic growth and address challenges of poverty and unemployment.
The Presidency said the Deputy President will focus on China’s state-owned enterprises and how South Africa could utilise the Chinese model in its own re-industrialisation process.
During his visit Deputy President Ramaphosa will pay a courtesy call on China's President Xi Jinping and meet Premier Li Keqiang.
He will also hold bilateral discussions with his counterpart, Vice President LI Yuanchao in Beijing to discuss a number of issues within the context of the Five-to-Ten Year Strategic Programme, which was signed by President Jacob Zuma during his state visit to the country.
These relate to trade and investment cooperation, financial cooperation, infrastructure development, energy issues, vocational training and South Africa's co-hosting of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), which will be hosted later this year in South Africa.
Cooperation in skills development
Deputy President Ramaphosa will further visit the Chinese Academy of Governance to explore potential areas of cooperation, particularly in the area of skills development for middle and senior government officials.
While in Beijing, Deputy President Ramaphosa will address the South Africa-China State owned Enterprises Seminar and a Business Forum Lunch.
He will also visit the Beijing Economic Technological Development Area (BDA), a state-level economic and technological development zone.
Visit to Qingdao
On 16 July 2015, the Deputy President will visit the coastal city of Qingdao, which has over 50% of the country's ocean-related research institutes. In this context, Deputy President Ramaphosa will meet the management of Haier and Hisense and the China Rail Company, home to China's high speed train factory.
Hisense Co Ltd, a multinational white goods and electronics manufacturer, recently expanded its existing operations in South Africa by establishing a manufacturing centre in Atlantis, Western Cape.
Visit to Shenzhen
The Deputy President will conclude his programme on 17 July 2015 by visiting Shenzhen Comprehensive Traffic Command Centre, which is a programme of initiatives supported and advanced by ICT and managed and run by a governing entity in order to improve the quality of experiences for residents, business and visitors.
While in Shenzhen, Deputy President Ramaphosa will visit the Shenzhen Port, the world's third largest container port and the headquarters of Huawei, which is interlinked with the Smart City on all levels.
This include municipal services, urban ICT infrastructure and real-estate, such as smart buildings.
The Deputy President’s delegation will include Ministers of Public Enterprises Lynn Brown, Higher Education and Training, Blade Nzimande.Deputy Ministers of Internationla Relations and Cooperation, Nomaindia Mfeketo, Energy Thembi Majola, Finance Mcebisi Jonas, Trade and Industry Mzwandile Masina, as well as senior government officials, business and state owned enterprises executives, will also be part of the delegation..– SAnews.gov.za
