JOHANNESBURG 

South Africa’s Deputy President Paul Mashatile said Thursday that his country is looking to expand its infrastructure partnership with China, particularly in the modernization of ports and rail and road networks.

Mashatile said infrastructural development remains critical to unlocking economic growth and improving regional integration.

‘‘We are encouraged by the growing collaboration in energy planning, gas-to-power and nuclear-to-power development, as well as the shared commitment to deepen cooperation in mineral processing, beneficiation and value addition,” he told visiting Chinese Vice President Han Zheng during the 9th South Africa-China Bi-National Commission (BNC) in Cape Town.

Mashatile said that for three decades, their bilateral relationship has grown in depth, scope and strategic importance, contributing meaningfully to economic development and reflecting their shared aspiration to accelerate development in both countries.

The two countries are collaborating in various fields including science and technology, education and culture, environment and infrastructure.

“South Africa welcomes the growing cooperation (with China) in artificial intelligence, innovation and digital technologies, which will support technology localization, skills development and the advancement of sustainable economic growth,’’ Mashatile said in his closing remarks.

He said South Africa is encouraged by the focus on technical and vocational education and training by China, which is equipping young South Africans with critical skills, including in emerging sectors such as new energy vehicle technologies.