SA to convey G20’s input on Africa to the continent

Dr Bheki Mfeka, Special Economic Advisor to the President of South Africa, is interviewed by People’s Daily Online during the G20 Summit in Hangzhou, China. (Picture: People’s Daily Online / Wu Nan) 

The G20 Hangzhou summit combines Chinese experience in growing economic development and looking for new opportunities, a growth path for the world, said Dr Bheki Mfeka, special economic adviser to South Africa’s president.

“The Chinese government has the ability to transform the Chinese economy within such a short period and uplift the standards of people. That experience, given the context of where we are in the global economy, is valuable. That means the G20 summit in China will break new ground,” he said.

Mfeka added that he appreciated that more African countries had been invited to Hangzhou.

“We will indicate to the African continent that the G20’s input on Africa matters. The theme of industrialisation in Africa is an important focal point, which China has selected. Inviting more African countries also indicates that China is serious about the role of developing countries in this platform.

“The focus on innovation, inclusiveness, interconnection and invigoration of the global economy is important,” Mfeka noted.

“Our participation in the global economy, our partnerships and our various structural reforms that we commit to will impact positively,” he said. “We must all contribute to structural reform individually and collectively.”

Mfeka stressed that the commitment to the Hangzhou consensus was significant because “it moves all of us more aggressively to a clear path that we have established”.

He pointed out that the UN Sustainable Growth Vision 2030 commitment that was adopted in Hangzhou had great value because it covered various development issues, and big economies were committed to providing resources to achieve sustainable development goals.

“It’s important for G20 members to make sure that the World Trade Organisation is strengthened so that developing countries can benefit from an invigorated trading system,” he said.

Mfeka mentioned fighting corruption, supporting youth employment and the African energy initiative in the South African context.