(Xinhua)
Updated: 2007-01-26 10:17

PRETORIA -- Chinese customs signed a memorandum of cooperation and agreed minutes with its South African partner here on Friday to enhance cooperation between the two countries.

The agreement was signed by Mu Xinsheng, minister of China's General Administration of Customs, and Pravin Gordhan, commissioner of South African Revenue Service. It provided a basis for the two governments to endorse a bilateral agreement on mutual administrative assistance on customs matter.

The agreement were welcomed by South Africa's Deputy Finance Minister Jabulani Moleketi and Chinese Ambassador to South Africa Liu Guijin.

The two sides have also agreed on a pilot project to manage the trade between China and South Africa. This will entail the advance electronic submission of customs data and will allow for the joint detection of high risk.

The bilateral customs agreement will create a stronger legal basis for customs cooperation in the administration of bilateral trade. It will also support the memorandum of understanding on the importation of textile and clothing that was signed between the two countries.

The visit by the Chinese delegation intended not only to strengthens the relationship between customs of the two country but also to focus on practical measures to improve the management of bilateral trade.

China is one of South Africa's largest trading partners. The country was the eighth largest destination for South African exports and the second largest source of South Africans imports last year.

While South African exports mostly raw materials such as aluminum, platinum and chrome to China, it imports processed goods such as electronics, machinery, clothing, textiles and footwear.