Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe on Wednesday, 30 October 2013, concluded his official visit to the People's Republic of China.

Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe's visit on28-30 October was at the invitation of the Vice-President of the People's Republic of China, Li Yuanchao to attend the Fifth South Africa-China Bi-National Commission.

South Africa and China enjoy strong bilateral relations which have been growing steadily over the past 15 years.  As a result of this growing co-operation, China is South Africa's number one trading partner and South Africa is China's number one trading partner in Africa. 

Trade between the two countries continues to grow and current volume stands at just over R200billion.  Over the past few years there has been growing presence of Chinese companies in various sectors of South Africa's economy. 

South Africa hope to see greater participation of Chinese companies in sectors such as, renewable energy, mining, banking, manufacturing, and rail infrastructure and rolling stock.

South Africa and China will in the next two years mark the 15 years of diplomatic relations in a unique way, through what is termed ‘South Africa's Year in China in 2014'and ‘China's Year in South Africa in 2015', which will see each of the two countries hosting the other, characterised by activities and exchanges of high level visits.

Deputy President Motlanthe has left the People's Republic of China, and he will now embark on a 2-day official visit to Mongolia with the objective of strengthening and deepening bilateral, political, social and economic cooperation between South Africa and Mongolia.

The Deputy President is expected to arrive on Saturday, 02 November 2013, back in South Africa.

Enquiries: Thabo Masebe +2782 410 8087

Issued by: The Presidency