The first South Africa-China Hi-Tech Exhibition, held recently in Sandton, north of Johannesburg, was intended to promote scientific and technological cooperation between the two countries, their research institutes and companies. “I hope that both sides use this platform to enhance their cooperation,” affirmed Chinese Science and Technology Vice-Minister Dr Huo Jianguo in his address at the opening of the exhibition.

“I’m very pleased this High-Tech Exhibition will display products and artefacts from companies from both countries,” stated South African Department of Science and Technology director-general Dr Phil Mjwara. He pointed out that, last year, the two countries had celebrated 15 years of diplomatic relations and that the original idea had been to hold a high-tech exhibition then, but that practical difficulties had led to both countries agreeing to hold it this year.

“Over the past 15 years, science and technical [agencies] of both sides have worked together,” highlighted Huo. “They have played an important role in bolstering bilateral cooperation.” This cooperation covered science, technology and advanced manufacturing in sectors that included aerospace and nuclear.

“In recent years, marked achievements have been made in China-South Africa science and technology cooperation,” added Chinese ambassador to South Africa Tian Xuejuan. “Today, the China-South Africa comprehensive strategic partnership is striding forward. . . . . Our relations are now the best they have been in history.” He added that science and technology cooperation was “a powerful engine” for both countries to achieve their development objectives.

“Africa should not be left behind by the fourth industrial revolution,” he urged. “All developing countries should seize the opportunities and try to achieve leapfrog development.” South Africa and China should both extend their cooperation and seek to develop new models of cooperation. “New breakthroughs have been made in cooperation between our high-tech industries.” He cited the increasing of cooperation between the two countries, as well as the development of science parks in the countries (covered by a memorandum of understanding, signed at the end of last year). The first such joint science park would serve as a model for the cooperation between the two sides, affirmed Tian.

“Science and technology [are]powerful tools for enriching people-to-people exchanges,” highlighted the ambassador. He noted that China was assisting in the training of young South African information and communication technology specialists.

“South Africa is the leader in science and technology in Africa and has world-class technology,” asserted Huo. “The potential is huge.” He proposed that the exchange of scientific and technological personnel between the two countries be increased, and that research institutes in both countries create joint research platforms. The aim would be to promote economic development and job creation.

“We hope that this first high-tech exhibition . . . will lay the basis for strengthening existing [partnerships] and enabling new ones,” stated Mjwara. He cited already existing partnerships between South African and Chinese universities. He also cited, in particular, cooperation on research into traditional and herbal medicines in both countries.