Two declarations inked in China to boost construction sector in SA


South Africa has signed two declarations of intent with the China Communications Construction Company (CCCC) and ASI Global during the State Visit to China.

South Africa’s Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson was one of the Ministers who joined President Cyril Ramaphosa on his State Visit to China to help achieve the vision of turning South Africa into a construction site, growing the economy and creating thousands of new jobs.

READ | SA to transform economy into manufacturing hub

According to the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure, the declaration of intent with the CCCC will work towards inviting the company to bid through the Public Management Finance Act (PMFA) in the construction and development of municipal works and public-owned buildings, fishing harbours and small ports.

Meanwhile, the declaration of intent with ASI Global will work towards the entity helping to develop construction talent in South Africa, as well as their professional development.

‘Shortly after
I was appointed as Public Works and Infrastructure Minister roughly two months ago, I vowed that I will aim to use the portfolio to turn the country into a construction site for us to grow the economy and create thousands of new jobs.

‘The two declarations of intent signed during bilateral meetings in China, therefore, mark an important step towards us achieving that goal,’ Macpherson said in a statement.

He described the CCCC and ASI Global as two ‘very important’ players in their respective fields.

‘The declarations of intent means that we can now invite them to make their expertise available to help develop our infrastructure and construction capabilities in South Africa, which will benefit the South African people across the country.’

The Minister said that in the months ahead, the department will build on these declarations of intent to further develop agreements towards unblocking any challenges which may stand in the way of launching construction projects in South Africa.

‘I look forward to inviti
ng the CCCC and ASI Global to join us as we work towards our dream of turning the country into a construction site.

‘If we truly want to see rapid economic growth and job creation, the assistance of entities such as the CCCC and ASI Global, and many others across the world, will be crucial. I look forward to seeing how they work to help us improve South Africa. Let us build South Africa.’

Source: South African Government News Agency