Question NW4720 to the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation
13 December 2022 - NW4720
Hlengwa, Mr M to ask the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation
With regard to the visit by the President , Mr M C Ramaphosa, to Bali for the G20 Summit, during which he and the President of the People’s Republic of China reiterated the shaping of the relations on initiative such as the Belt Road Initiative, the Republic’s Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan investments in the and the energy sector and the implementation of the Forum on China – Africa Cooperation in South Africa, (a) what role will her department play in these opportunities and (b) how does her department intend to promote the interest of the Republic in its involvement in these plans?
Reply:
DIRCO’s role would be, firstly, focused on assessing the bilateral and multilateral foreign policy implications of the BRI, FOCAC, and potential Chinese investments in key economic sectors e.g., energy and transport, and secondly, in facilitating cooperation between the government of China and relevant South African government departments that would be key implementing partners on projects where Chinese programmes complement national development projects, including those aligned to the EERP.
More specifically, DIRCO’s mandate and role is to promote the national interests of South Africa vis-à-vis the BRI, FOCAC and Chinese investments by:
- Positioning South Africa vis-à-vis the PRC in such a way that delivers maximum political and socio-economic benefit from the strategic relationship.
- Delivering bilateral consultations at high level on issues that include FOCAC, infrastructure development, and the BRI in Africa. For example, through the upcoming Binational Commission, Strategic Dialogue, and the BRICS Summit.
- Advising partner government departments on developments and trends in the bilateral relationship and in the international political milieu that may affect their involvement in associated projects.
- Facilitate bilateral cooperation between the relevant departments of the government of China and partner departments in their various areas of specialisation, including trade, investment, agriculture, infrastructure, education, training, and tourism.
- Coordinate efforts with partner government departments in:
- Identifying and assessing potential opportunities for economic reconstruction and development that stem from the bilateral relationship, including FOCAC and the BRI.
- Reporting on the progress achieved by partner government departments in delivering on FOCAC projects.
- Proactively identifying and work through obstacles to the implementation of bilateral commitments.