South Africa and China have strengthened their bilateral relations at the 5th SA-China Bi-National Commission (BNC).

Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe on Wednesday concluded his official visit to China. Motlanthe’s visit on October 28-30 was at the invitation of the Vice-President of China, Li Yuanchao to attend the 5th SA-China BNC.

South Africa and China enjoy strong bilateral relations, which have been growing steadily over the past 15 years.

“As a result of this growing cooperation, China is South Africa’s number one trading partner and South Africa is China’s number one trading partner in Africa.

“Trade between the two countries continues to grow and current volumes stand at just over R200 billion. Over the past few years, there has been growing presence of Chinese companies in various sectors of South Africa’s economy,” the Presidency said in a statement.

South Africa hopes to see greater participation of Chinese companies in sectors such as renewable energy, mining, banking, manufacturing, and rail infrastructure and rolling stock.

South Africa and China will in the next two years mark the 15 years of diplomatic relations in a unique way, through what is termed ‘South Africa’s Year in China in 2014’ and ‘China’s Year in South Africa in 2015’. This will see each of the two countries hosting the other, characterised by activities and exchanges of high level visits.

Motlanthe has left China, and is now on a two-day official visit to Mongolia, with the objective of strengthening and deepening bilateral, political, social and economic cooperation between South Africa and Mongolia.

The Deputy President is expected to arrive in South Africa on Saturday.