Beijing - South African Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa arrived today. Monday 13 July 2015 in Beijing where he is leading a South African government, business and state-owned enterprises delegation on an official visit to the People’s Republic of China scheduled from 13-17 July 2015.

On Tuesday 14 July 2015 Deputy President Ramaphosa is expected to hold bilateral political and economic discussions with Vice-President Li Yuan Chao, followed by a meeting with Li Qiang the Premier of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China ahead of interacting with the Leadership of the Chinese Academy of Governance and address a banquet in his honour later in the evening.

The bilateral discussions between Deputy President Ramaphosa and his Chinese counterpart Vice President Li Yuanchao are expected to focus on trade and investment cooperation, financial cooperation including the BRICS New Development Bank, infrastructure development, energy issues, vocational training and South Africa’s co-hosting of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), to be hosted later this year in South Africa.

These bilateral discussions will take place within the framework of the Five-to-Ten Year Strategic Programme, which was signed by President Jacob Zuma during his State Visit to the People’s Republic of China in December 2014.

The thrust of Deputy President Ramaphosa’s visit to the People’s Republic of China is on economic and trade matters with specific reference on how state-owned enterprises can be utilised to promote economic growth while addressing challenges of poverty and unemployment. 

In this regard, Deputy President Ramaphosa is expected to visit several Chinese State-owned enterprises with a view of learning how South Africa could utilise the Chinese model in its own re-industrialisation process.

Deputy President Ramaphosa’s delegation comprises Ministers Lynne Brown, Blade Nzimande and Deputy Ministers Thembi Majola, Mzwandile Masina, Mcebisi Jonas, senior government officials, business leaders and state-owned enterprise executives.

Enquiries: Ronnie Mamoepa on 082 990 4853

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria