South African Institute of International Affairs (Johannesburg)
16 May 2008
press release
Ten years of official diplomatic relations between the Peoples Republic of China and the Republic of South Africa have been marked by a series of celebratory events in both countries.
With two way trade rising to US$9.86 in 2006, investment reaching new heights with the ICBC-Standard Bank announcement in 2007 and diplomatic collaboration continuing on a solid footing, the bilateral relationship is one of the drivers of growth on the African continent.
At the same time, the deepening of economic ties has raised important questions as to the uneven impact of trade in certain sectors of the South African economy and has created challenges for China and South Africa alike. Managing these factors against the backdrop of mutual co-operation and shared hopes for African development are a feature of this maturing relationship.
In recognition of this decade of friendship, the South African Institute of International Affairs and the Embassy of the Peoples Republic of China (PRC) are jointly sponsoring an international conference on 21-22 May 2008 to assess the past, present and future state of ties.
This international conference brings together Chinese and African experts from the academic, policy and business community to assess China's engagement with Africa and particularly how South African and Chinese co-operation can strengthen Africa's development and stability. The key themes of the conference include:
• How can China and South Africa's partnership benefit Africa?
• Why China matters to Africa: partnership, investment and trade
• The geopolitical and geo-economic importance of Africa to China
• China's development trajectory: poverty reduction, rural development, agriculture and SEZs
• Peace and security: what role can China play in promoting stability in Africa?
The conference promises to be informative and engaging, providing participants with concrete insights into how Africa has benefited and will continue to profit from burgeoning South African-Chinese relations.
The conference will take place at the Burgers Park Hotel, Pretoria on Wednesday 21 and Thursday 22 May 2008. For further information, please contact SAIIA Media Liaison Officer Leaza Kolkenbeck-Ruh: Tel. +27 (0)11 339 2021, Fax. +27 (0)11 339 2154, Cell. +27 (0)82 427 6212.
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