By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Deputy President Paul Mashatile arrived in Singapore on Sunday on a mission to strengthen bilateral ties between the two countries, the presidency has announced.
Mashatile is accompanied by International Relations and Cooperation Deputy Minister Candith Mashego-Dlamini; Trade, Industry and Competition Deputy Minister Nomalungelo Gina; and Higher Education, Science and Innovation Deputy Minister Buti Manamela, Communication and Digital Technologies Deputy Minister Philly Mapulane; Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Deputy Minister Magdalene Sotyu, and senior government officials are also among those travelling with the Deputy President
The first stop of Mashatile’s visit was at the Marina Barrage development, the southeast Asian country’s innovate water resource management project.
“The deputy president’s visit to the country is aimed at building and strengthening bilateral relations, particularly increasing trade, economic, knowledge and cultural exchange between the two states,” the presidency said in a statement.
Singapore has made big strides in the area of seawater desalination by investing significantly in research and development of water management and sustainability.
Mashatile’s visit to the country is aimed at building and strengthening bilateral relations, particularly increasing trade, economic, knowledge and cultural exchange between the two States.
The World Bank has ranked Singapore as the number one country in the world for ease of doing business since 2006, and the country is an important global aviation and maritime hub.
In addition, the island country is also considered an important gateway for the export of goods and services to Southeast Asia and a hub for joint venture partnerships throughout Asia.
“It is an important centre for South African businesses looking for opportunities or expand operations on the continent.”
As part of his programme, Mashatile will also visit the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy.
Mashitile will then deliver a public lecture on the 30 years of diplomatic relations between South Africa and Singapore titled ‘Celebrating a journey of mutual respect, strategic partnership and cooperation’.
South Africa exports a range of products to Singapore, including gold, diamonds and wine, while Singapore exports electronics, chemicals and machinery to this country.