Cape Town, 27 October 2021 (TDI): The Speaker of the South African National Assembly, Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula stated that the level of cooperation between the China and South Africa is noteworthy.
Especially in the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic. She was addressing the 5th Regular Exchange Mechanism’s virtual session.
Trade between China & South Africa
She highlighted that the trade between China and South Africa has improved, Nevertheless, there is still a need for further improvement.
The countries should collaborate in trade and manufacturing. China and South Africa both recognize the need to maintain a balance of sustainable trade for mutual benefit. She said that South Africa can learn from China in various fields.
China’s wide-ranging experiences
China’s wide-ranging experiences in disaster management beyond COVID-19, creating public awareness, participation, and outreach, as a communication strategy, can benefit South Africa.
Furthermore, Mapisa-Nqakula stressed reviewing the 2006’s 15-year-old Memorandum of Understanding between the Chinese and South African Parliaments. The two aim to ensure the improvement of people’s lives in both countries through democracy.
4th Industrial Revolution
The Speaker called for joint research and development ventures by utilizing the 4th Industrial Revolution (4IR). She also enunciated the need to address not only the COVID-19 pandemic but other issues as well.
Poverty, inequality, and gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) in South Africa; these issues have worsened because of the pandemic.
The session was jointly hosted by the National People’s Congress (NPC) of China and led by Mapisa-Nqakula and the chairperson of the Standing Committee of the NPC, Li Zhanshu.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Li Zhanshu on his part appreciated South Africa for supporting China during the COVID-19 outbreak. The two allies shared medical supplies and non-pharmaceutical products including masks, during the pandemic.
Additionally, strategic collaboration in development initiatives to ensure positive results was also done. He enunciated that a strategic partnership between China and South Africa will be advantageous for both countries.
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