Latest news with #PaulMashatile
The Herald
4 days ago
- Business
- The Herald
SA and UK forge infrastructure partnership to boost local government capacity
South Africa has signed an infrastructure delivery pact with the UK that aims to improve asset management and build capacity at local government level. The partnership was signed by public works and infrastructure minister Dean Macpherson and UK chancellor of the exchequer Rachel Reeves on the sidelines of the G20 Finance Ministerial meetings in Durban on Thursday. Macpherson said the collaboration comes as a result of his November 2024 visit to the UK, alongside Deputy President Paul Mashatile and the subsequent UK/SA growth and investment partnership that was launched then. He said the partnership is not premised on a fixed monetary amount but will, instead, see the UK government provide technical expertise and strategic support in three key areas: • Project Capstone, which will support the effective operationalisation of the department of public works and infrastructure's Special and Strategic Delivery Unit (SSDU). This unit will accelerate infrastructure delivery by focusing on high-impact, high-priority projects and addressing systemic process inefficiencies that hinder effective implementation. * Project Speed, which will enhance the management of public assets through more effective and efficient public sector asset management, including improved resource efficiency. * Infrastructure South Africa's Adopt-a-Municipality Programme, which will strengthen infrastructure delivery at municipal level in selected focus municipalities. Macpherson said this partnership will see British companies being able to provide technical assistance and expertise and being able to put these projects into an investment-ready portfolio. 'I think it is highly innovative and it answers a big issue which we understand in South Africa that it takes too long to get projects going and even when we do, they can stall or collapse because they were not planned or prepared correctly.' He said the SSDU works across the full project cycle of infrastructure — from planning and procurement to implementation and oversight. 'The UK's support here today will help us introduce better systems, better co-ordination and stronger accountability in project execution.' The minister said project speed will help the department manage its public assets. He said most of its assets — more than 88,000 buildings and more than 5-million hectares of land — were either underutilised, poorly maintained or completely neglected. 'With this support we're working to modernise our asset register, digitise property data and improve maintenance regimes. Beyond the technical work, the goal is to simply make public assets serve public good in a productive, safe and accessible environment. 'We must stop treating state property as an administrative burden but rather managing it as a strategic economic resource. 'Our goal is to restructure and reform the property management trading entity which has all of these buildings that don't generate a single rand. We're the only landlords in South Africa that don't make money. We have become the charity for other government departments and that must change. These assets must make money for the state so we can reinvest in those assets and social infrastructure.' He said the Adopt-a-Municipality programme was necessitated by the fact that many municipal projects were not working as they should. 'Through this initiative we have selected a number of municipalities where UK-funded technical assistance can support local officials to improve infrastructure planning, procurement and delivery. 'If we want to see tangible results in service delivery we need local government to succeed and that means investing in local skills, systems and processes.' He said the partnership with the UK is in line with the department's broader vision to turn the country into a construction site. 'Our department is refocusing itself as the economic delivery unit of the South African government, in partnership with the UK. That means fast-tracking infrastructure projects that unlocks job creating and investment, cutting wasteful leases by migrating departments back to state-owned buildings and ensuring that construction projects are not only planned but completed on time and within budget and we're already making progress.' He expressed appreciation to the UK government for collaborating with his department, through its foreign commonwealth partnership, in this endeavour. 'Your government is not only appreciated but it also makes a real difference in our beautiful country. The three areas of support being launched today reflect the precise challenges we're tackling as the department: that being slow project delivery, underutilised public assets and weak local capacity in municipalities.' Reeves said she was pleased to see the trade relationship of the two countries going from strength to strength and that she was optimistic that the partnership will bring mutual economic growth in both countries. TimesLIVE
The South African
5 days ago
- Business
- The South African
SA's G20 Presidency aims for sustainable economic growth, job creation
As the Chair of the Group of 20 (G20), South Africa's goal is to promote mutually beneficial economic growth, create jobs and advance sustainable development for its partner nations, says Deputy President Paul Mashatile. Mashatile was speaking during the opening ceremony of the China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE) in Beijing on Wednesday. The event showcases the latest developments in supply chain management. The Deputy President told the attendees that South Africa firmly believes that the establishment of enduring business relationships must occur within the framework of a fair, inclusive, and rules-based global economic order. 'This order should prioritise industrialisation, investment in green technologies, and digital infrastructure as key components of sustainable development, especially for developing economies.' These priorities, according to the country's second-in-command, are reflected in the overall CISCE programme, which closely aligns with areas of potential cooperation between South Africa and China. 'We, therefore, invite our Chinese counterparts to support and participate in the key pillars of our G20 agenda by investing in green industrial projects, renewable energy, digital infrastructure, and regional manufacturing initiatives in South Africa and across the African continent. 'Through such collaboration, we can deepen our strategic partnership and ensure that the outcomes of South Africa's G20 Presidency reflect the shared aspirations of the Global South,' he said. The Deputy President said South Africa looks forward to hosting Chinese and other international buyers, importers and distributors in a tailored procurement mission that will be arranged on the margins of the G20 Leaders' Summit in November 2025. 'We urge all stakeholders to seize these opportunities, foster partnerships, share best practices, and collectively shape the future of supply chain management to build a more connected, resilient, and prosperous world.' The G20 consists of 19 member countries: Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Türkiye, the United Kingdom, and the United States. It also includes two regional organisations, the European Union (EU) and the African Union (AU). The G20 members include the world's major economies, representing 85% of global gross domestic product (GDP), over 75% of international trade, and about two-thirds of the world population. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
Korea Herald
6 days ago
- Business
- Korea Herald
Third China International Supply Chain Expo Opens in Beijing
BEIJING, July 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The opening ceremony of the Third China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE) took place in Beijing on July 16. During the event, the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT), together with representatives from the global business community, jointly launched the Beijing Initiative of the 3 rd China International Supply Chain Expo. Speakers at the ceremony included South African Deputy President Paul Mashatile; Thailand's Deputy Permanent Secretary of Commerce, Ekachat Seetavorarat; Jensen Huang, founder and CEO of NVIDIA; John W.H. Denton, Secretary General of the International Chamber of Commerce; Sherard Cowper-Coles, Chair of the China-Britain Business Council; and Liao Lin, Chairman of the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC). More than 1,100 participants representing governments, the private sectors, academia, and civil society from over 100 countries, regions, and international organizations attended the event. Ren Hongbin, Chairman of CCPIT, presided over the ceremony. He stated that this year's Expo features broader international participation, a more defined supply chain structure, and a stronger emphasis on innovation. Ren encouraged members of the global business community to work together to uphold the multilateral trade system anchored in the World Trade Organization through constructive engagement and proactive collaboration. He added that CCPIT will continue to serve both domestic and international companies, maintain the global public good nature of industrial and supply chains, and contribute to the development of an open global economy and a shared future for humanity. Hosted by CCPIT, the 3 rd CISCE is being held from July 16 to 20 under the theme Connecting the World for a Shared Future. Five international organizations are supporting the event as partners, including the UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD), the UN Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL), the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), the International Trade Centre (ITC), and the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC). Thailand serves as the Guest Country of Honor, while Shandong and Guangdong provinces are featured as Guest Provinces of Honor. This year's Expo includes six key industrial chains and one exhibition area: Advanced Manufacturing Chain, Smart Vehicle Chain, Green Agriculture Chain, Clean Energy Chain, Digital Technology Chain, Healthy Life Chain, and Supply Chain Service Area. 651 companies and organizations from 75 countries and regions are participating in the Expo, showcasing cutting-edge technologies, products, and services across the entire supply chain. Notably, international exhibitors account for 35 percent of the total.
Cision Canada
6 days ago
- Business
- Cision Canada
Third China International Supply Chain Expo Opens in Beijing
BEIJING, July 16, 2025 /CNW/ -- The opening ceremony of the Third China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE) took place in Beijing on July 16. During the event, the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT), together with representatives from the global business community, jointly launched the Beijing Initiative of the 3 rd China International Supply Chain Expo. Speakers at the ceremony included South African Deputy President Paul Mashatile; Thailand's Deputy Permanent Secretary of Commerce, Ekachat Seetavorarat; Jensen Huang, founder and CEO of NVIDIA; John W.H. Denton, Secretary General of the International Chamber of Commerce; Sherard Cowper-Coles, Chair of the China-Britain Business Council; and Liao Lin, Chairman of the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC). More than 1,100 participants representing governments, the private sectors, academia, and civil society from over 100 countries, regions, and international organizations attended the event. Ren Hongbin, Chairman of CCPIT, presided over the ceremony. He stated that this year's Expo features broader international participation, a more defined supply chain structure, and a stronger emphasis on innovation. Ren encouraged members of the global business community to work together to uphold the multilateral trade system anchored in the World Trade Organization through constructive engagement and proactive collaboration. He added that CCPIT will continue to serve both domestic and international companies, maintain the global public good nature of industrial and supply chains, and contribute to the development of an open global economy and a shared future for humanity. Hosted by CCPIT, the 3 rd CISCE is being held from July 16 to 20 under the theme Connecting the World for a Shared Future. Five international organizations are supporting the event as partners, including the UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD), the UN Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL), the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), the International Trade Centre (ITC), and the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC). Thailand serves as the Guest Country of Honor, while Shandong and Guangdong provinces are featured as Guest Provinces of Honor. This year's Expo includes six key industrial chains and one exhibition area: Advanced Manufacturing Chain, Smart Vehicle Chain, Green Agriculture Chain, Clean Energy Chain, Digital Technology Chain, Healthy Life Chain, and Supply Chain Service Area. 651 companies and organizations from 75 countries and regions are participating in the Expo, showcasing cutting-edge technologies, products, and services across the entire supply chain. Notably, international exhibitors account for 35 percent of the total.
IOL News
6 days ago
- Business
- IOL News
Mashatile in China: Uniquely South African products showcased at China International Supply Chain Expo
Deputy President Paul Mashatile is on a weeklong strategic Working Visit to the People's Republic of China. Image: South African Government/X Deputy President Paul Mashatile, who is on a strategic Working Visit to the People's Republic of China, has addressed the China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE) opening ceremony in Beijing. The tour of China started on Monday and is scheduled to continue until Friday. Mashatile is accompanied by a delegation that includes Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Thandi Moraka; Minister of Small Business Development, Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams; Minister of Tourism, Patricia de Lille; Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Parks Tau; Minister of Water and Sanitation, Pemmy Majodina, and Minister of Agriculture, John Steenhuisen. In its third year, CISCE is the world's first national-level expo dedicated to global supply chains. It is hosted under the auspices of the Chinese Central Government and the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT). 'It is my honour to address you today at the opening ceremony of the third China International Supply Chain Expo, a prestigious event that showcases the latest developments in supply chain management,' said Mashatile. He said the high-level expo is crucial for both South Africa and China because it promotes trade, investment, cooperation, innovation, and learning within the global supply chain ecosystem. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ 'South Africa is committed to strengthening global supply chains and fostering resilience in the face of challenges. In today's rapidly changing world, the global supply chain landscape is facing unprecedented challenges, from natural disasters to political upheavals,' said Mashatile. During his address, Mashatile acknowledged Chinese Vice Premier, He Lifeng; China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) chairman, Ren Hongbin, Chairman; Deputy Permanent Ministry of Commerce of the Kingdom of Thailand, Ekachat Seetavorarat; and multiple CEOs and business executives. Despite ongoing challenges, Mashatile said South Africa's supply chain sector is experiencing growth, driven by increased e-commerce activity and technological advancements. Deputy President Paul Mashatile is in Beijing at the invitation of the chairman of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT), Ren Hongbin. Image: Paul Mashatile/X 'Our business communities have been resilient and adapting through strategies like diversifying suppliers, holding more inventory, and investing in digital transformation,' he said. 'As government, we have also adopted policies and strategies that are conducive for business to strive. We understand the importance of building robust supply chains that can withstand disruptions and ensure the efficient flow of goods and services.' The deputy president said South Africa's diverse economy and strategic location make it a natural gateway for trade and investment, connecting Africa to the rest of the world. 'As we gather here in China, a key partner in our economic journey, I see great opportunities for collaboration and mutual growth. Together, we can leverage our strengths and capabilities to further build supply chains that are not only efficient and cost-effective but also sustainable and resilient,' he said. 'The fact that China and South Africa have a strong desire to diversify and expand trade between Africa and China is crucial to our efforts to create a solid supply chain.' South Africa's export portfolio to China comprises mainly basic commodities. Mashatile said while the trade volumes confirm South Africa's natural endowment, the heavy slant towards mineral-based exports fails to give a true impression of South Africa's advanced infrastructure, its diversified industrial base, and leading service sectors. 'Our inaugural participation at the China International Supply Chain Expo provides the opportunity to showcase this diversity. Once again, let me reiterate our gratitude for the facilitation and the courtesies extended to the South African official and business delegation,' said Mashatile. The deputy president's delegation was accompanied by 30 manufacturers and producers of uniquely South African products and services. 'These products and services showcase the diversity of South African exports, ranging from ethically sourced and clean cosmetics comprising pure natural extracts as well as durable electro-technical equipment that has passed the tests of extreme African climate conditions,' said Mashatile. 'Naturally, our offering would not be complete without companies that are showcasing the finest of South African clothing, leather, and footwear. 'We are exceptionally proud of the delegation that comprises plastics, chemical and mining engineering firms whose services have met the Chinese standards such that they have been able to jointly complete infrastructure projects with Chinese firms,' he said. It is believed that the CISCE will be instrumental in linking up Chinese buyers and importers with the South African producers at the stands during the expo. South Africa has invited its Chinese counterparts to support and participate in the key pillars of Pretoria's G20 agenda by investing in green industrial projects, renewable energy, digital infrastructure, and regional manufacturing initiatives in South Africa and across the African continent. 'Through such collaboration, we can deepen our strategic partnership and ensure that the outcomes of South Africa's G20 presidency reflect the shared aspirations of the Global South,' said Mashatile. 'Against this backdrop, we also look forward to hosting Chinese and other international buyers, importers and distributors in a tailored procurement mission that we will arrange on the margins of the G20 Summit in November 2025,' he said. For more than a decade, China has been South Africa's largest trading partner. This position has been held by China since 2008, when it surpassed the United States. China is also South Africa's largest trading partner in Africa, with bilateral trade between the two countries accounting for a significant portion of China's total trade with the continent. IOL News
