President Cyril Ramaphosa has appealed to the business sector in China to invest in South Africa and make use of the great opportunities that exist for growth and development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSouth Africa presents a great opportunity for companies in Shenzhen to deepen their global value chains,\u201d the President said on Tuesday.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The President made the remarks during the Shenzhen Business Roundtable at the occasion of the State Visit to China.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWith the capabilities that your companies have, we encourage you to play a more active role in our economy for mutual benefit,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Impressed by how Shenzhen has transformed over four decades into a leading digital supply chain hub, the President said South Africa can learn important lessons from Shenzhen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Shenzhen is home to the most innovation-based technology start-up companies in China.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cShenzhen is now a leader in the knowledge economy. We are keen to learn more about the city\u2019s journey towards becoming a global centre of technology, innovation and growth. As we work to develop our economy, we value advice, support and technical assistance in planning, infrastructure and skills development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAs we undertake this just and inclusive energy transition, we see many opportunities for growth and job creation in the green economy,\u201d the President said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
South Africa has made a firm commitment to reduce its carbon emissions in line with global commitments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe are doing so at a pace and in a manner that is appropriate to our country\u2019s development path.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe have introduced policies to promote the development of the electric vehicle industry in South Africa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe are certain that companies such as BYD and CATL will find South Africa a unique and advantageous location that can serve as a hub to reach other markets,\u201d the President said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He said that, as a global leader in green energy and infrastructure, Shenzhen could be an important partner for South Africa as the energy sector undergoes a major transformation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOver the last few years, regulatory changes have stimulated substantial new investment in electricity generation capacity, mainly from renewable sources.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe now have a pipeline of over 130 confirmed private sector energy projects that will produce approximately 22 500 MW of electricity,\u201d Ramaphosa said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
South Africa is also making significant investments in the electricity transmission infrastructure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIn addition to securing our country\u2019s energy supply, these investments will lay the basis for the further growth of our advanced manufacturing sector.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThis is further supported by the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area, which will drive a new era of industrialisation in South Africa and across the continent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWith its abundant renewable energy resources and significant deposits of the minerals that are needed to drive green growth, South Africa is well-positioned to be a leader in the green energy and related industries,\u201d the President said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n