“It is a very great pleasure to address you on this occasion of our official opening of the South African Consulate General in Shanghai, [on] the celebration of our Freedom Day [Sunday, 27 April 2008].
“... [And] in the context of the 10th Anniversary Celebration of our diplomatic relations,” said Foreign Affairs Minister Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, Friday.
The minister, who was joined by Deputy Minister Aziz Pahad and Trade and Industry Minister Mandisi Mpahlwa, highlighted how South Africa's Consulate-General began its work in Shanghai on 19 October 2003.
“We decided on Shanghai on the mainland, simply because of the economic development role this city plays in China.
“Shanghai, like the rest of China, has enjoyed a sustainable period of growth and presents enormous business opportunities for entrepreneurs,” said the minister.
Exports to China grew from R7.85 million in 1996, to well over R8.5 billion in 2005. Imports for the same period surged from R2.4 million in 1996 to R31.5 billion in 2005.
China's bilateral trade with South Africa grew to over R40 billion in 2005.
Dr Dlamini Zuma reaffirmed South Africa's commitment to the Shanghai World Expo taking place in 2010, during which South Africa will showcase the country as “alive with possibilities”.
South Africa will be promoting itself, said the minister, “as a nation that provides China and the world with significant opportunities for trade, investment and tourism.
“On this National Day we remember all those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. We pay tribute to all our struggle veterans and all those who showed unprecedented solidarity with us including the People's Republic of China.
“... they did all this not because they loved life less, but because they loved their country and their people more,” said Dr Dlamini Zuma.
Drawing attention to all that has been achieved since the countries first democratic elections in 1994, she said the economy is the strongest that it has ever been in our history.
Also, the country has become a modern hub for businesses as well as multinational organisations, and will hopefully be a haven for the emergence of thousands of small and medium-sized companies.
“We are a modern, diverse, stable, and innovative country with a rich culture, a magnificent natural heritage and a warm people.
“We have an advanced infrastructure and a well-developed financial, economic and legal system.
“Many of our companies are globally competitive and in some instances are world leaders in their field, for example in the mining sector and in coal to fuel technology,” said the minister.
Despite all that has been achieved, the country still faces enormous challenges in terms of overcoming poverty, battling unemployment, providing healthcare and education to all, addressing social injustices, and ensuring sustainable growth in the country.
“Let us also today celebrate the warm, friendly and mutually beneficial relationship that we have as South Africa and China - a relationship that is based on mutual respect and trust.
“The Shanghai Consulate is officially opened,” she said.
The new Consul-General to Shanghai will be Vika Khumalo.
Article published courtesy of BuaNews
