Minister Naledi Pandor has signed two memorandums of understanding (MOU) documents with her Chinese counterparts, in an effort to deepen strategic partnership in science, technology and innovation between the countries.
The science and technology minister said the first MOU is focused on the exchange of young scientists between SA and China, while the other centres on the creation of joint South African-Chinese research centres.
A Chinese delegation, including vice-premier Liu Yandong and vice-minister of science and technology Wang Zhigang, is in SA to attend the South Africa-China People-to-People Exchange Mechanism (PPEM).
SA is hosting the inaugural PPEM, described by government as a chance to create spaces and opportunities to contribute to the knowledge and common understanding between the country and China.
Government expects this exchange to enhance mutual trust, friendship and strategic partnership, and further deepen co-operation between SA and China, especially in the areas of culture, education, communications, health, technology, sports, tourism, women advancement and youth.
Pandor expressed her hopes for the SA-China people exchange programme, and said she is pleased science and technology enjoy such a prominent focus.
"Our governments have agreed that the first focus of the mechanism should be on exchanges that promote human capital development and R&D cooperation," said Pandor.
Economic inclusion
In partnership with China's ministry of science and technology and Chinese Embassy, the department said it has concluded the preparatory phase to set up the SA-China science park cooperation.
According to government, these science and technology parks and technology incubators will stimulate and support innovation for socio-economic development.
The science and technology parks will be launched later this year, although the department has not given the exact date.
Pandor said: "Our goal is to develop in South Africa, through close cooperation with China, a science park that will become an instrument for inclusive growth and accelerated transformation of our economy.
"Our efforts are inspired and informed by China's tremendous success in building science parks to drive innovation.
"South Africa is committed to the development of a network of science parks and special economic zones at a scale and pace that match our fiscal and other resource realities," she added.
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