A China-South Africa trade forum convened in Cape Town on Friday, with companies from both sides engaging in talks on cooperation in key sectors, including agriculture, manufacturing, energy and mining, finance, automobiles and logistics.
The China-South Africa Economic and Trade Cooperation Forum was jointly organized by the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) and South Africa's Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, with over 350 participants attending.
In his speech at the forum, South African Deputy President Paul Mashatile highlighted the pivotal role of the China-South Africa Bi-National Commission mechanism in the development of bilateral relations.
"The conclusion of the commission's work marks a significant milestone in South Africa's journey of a 1,000 miles with China. This is a journey that began with a single step in the year 2000, when our two nations agreed to establish the bi-national commission on the founding principles of equality, mutual respect and shared progress. Together, we have built bridges of trade and investment, strengthened the pillars of cooperation and opened doors of opportunity for our peoples. We have also expanded sectoral collaboration in broad areas of tourism, mineral resources, environment, science and technology, education and culture. Economic cooperation remains central to government collaboration," said Mashatile.
One day prior to the trade forum, Chinese Vice President Han Zheng co-chaired the ninth plenary session of the China-South Africa Bi-National Commission with Mashatile in Cape Town.
During the forum, South African business representatives introduced the local business environment and investment opportunities, while representatives of the China International Exhibition Center Group promoted the fourth China International Supply Chain Expo, to be held in Beijing in June.
China-South Africa trade forum held in Cape Town to deepen cooperation
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has established a special task force to address risks to humanitarian and agricultural supply chains posed by potential disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, his spokesman said on Friday.
Iran effectively blocked the critical shipping lane that handles about a fifth of the world's oil shipments and nearly a third of global fertilizer trade following the February 28 U.S.-Israeli surprise airstrikes on the Middle East country.
"As the conflict in the Middle East unfolds and threatens to intensify, disruptions in the maritime trade through the Strait of Hormuz risk creating a ripple effect impacting humanitarian needs and agricultural production in the coming months. While the secretary-general is committed to making every effort to achieve a comprehensive and durable settlement of the conflict, immediate action is essential to mitigate these consequences. To address these challenges, the secretary-general has established a dedicated task force," said Stephane Dujarric, the spokesman.
Dujarric told reporters the group will be led by Under Secretary-General Jorge Moreira da Silva, Executive Director of the U.N. Office of Project Services, and will include representatives from UNCTAD, the International Maritime Organization and the International Chamber of Commerce.
Its primary focus would be developing technical mechanisms to meet humanitarian needs in the strait, and the mechanism would aim to facilitate fertilizer trade, including raw materials, Dujarric said.
"The primary focus of this task force is to develop and propose technical mechanisms specifically designed to meet humanitarian needs in the Strait of Hormuz. Drawing inspiration from relevant UN initiatives, including the UN Verification, Inspection and Monitoring Mechanism for Yemen, the Black Sea Grain Initiative, and the existing UN2720 Mechanism for Gaza, this new mechanism for the Strait of Hormuz aims to facilitate fertilizer trade, including the movement of raw materials. The mechanism's operationalization will be done in close consultation with relevant member states, with full respect for national sovereignty and established international legal frameworks," said Dujarric.
Also on Friday, permanent representative of Iran to the United Nations Office at Geneva, Ali Bahreini, announced on social media that Iran, at the U.N.'s request, would facilitate and accelerate the safe transit of humanitarian cargo ships through the strait.
U.N. sets up task force to safeguard fertilizer, aid shipments through Strait of Hormuz
