Africa, China partners
PRESIDENCY: SA HAS ENTERED INTO ‘MULTIBILLION-DOLLAR AGREEMENTS’
Cooperation premised on Africans’ right to determine own future – Ramaphosa.
President Cyril Ramaphosa used his address at the opening ceremony of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (Focac) in Beijing yesterday to rebut claims that China was becoming Africa’s new colonial power.
“In the values that it promotes, in the manner that it operates, and in the impact that it has on African countries, Focac refutes the view that a new colonialism is taking hold in Africa, as our detractors would have us believe,” Ramaphosa’s speech said.
He said Focac was premised on the African people’s right to determine their own future. “It is premised on the African Union’s Agenda 2063, a vision that’s been crafted in Africa, by Africans.
“It is a vision of an integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa, driven by its own citizens and representing a dynamic force in the international arena.
“It is a vision of a continent where commerce, trade, investment, skills and knowledge move freely across the borders that were imposed on us by our colonial rulers,” he added.
Through Focac, Africa was looking at China as a partner to achieve the Agenda 2063 goals.
Ramaphosa said Africa embraced China’s “Betl and Road Initiative”, an ambitious plan by the communist state to boost trade and stimulate economic growth across Asia and beyond.
Ramaphosa’s office said the “multibillion-dollar agreements entered between South Africa and China will enable economic growth and educational opportunities, among other benefits.
“One agreement alone – on investment and trade promotion between the two countries – carries a monetary value of approximately R14 billion, the presidency said.
At the weekend, Ramaphosa and Xi Jinping witnessed the signing of agreements including, among others, commitments on cooperation in climate change, water resources, transport, and infrastructure. – ANA