Regional economic development is a significant lever of inclusive growth and development in both China and South Africa. To exchange experience, China National Academy of Governance (CNAG) and the National School of Government (NSG) of South Africa jointly held an online seminar on "Regional Economic Development" on May 29. The keynote speakers included Pro.Che Wenhui, professor from the department of Economics of CNAG, Dr. Meng Tianqi, associate professor from Anhui Institute of Public Administration, Dr. Neva Makgetla, senior economist from Trade and Industry Policy Strategies, and Dr. Hubert Joynt, program manager from Infrastructure South Africa. Scholars and master students of BAI attended the seminar.

Li Yi, vice president of CNAG, delivered an opening remarks. He said that although China and South Africa are geographically far apart, the two countries have been respecting and supporting each other, and have forged multi-dimensional cooperation which yield fruitful achievements. Subsequently, the four keynote speakers elaborated on four topics: building a regional economic pattern with complementary advantages and high-quality development, Anhui’s exploration of promoting coordinated regional development, the role of Special Economic Zones in regional economic development in South Africa, and facilitating infrastructure for regional economic development in South Africa.

During the Q&A session, experts from the two sides conducted inspiring and spirited discussion on regional economic development issues of common concern, such as promoting infrastructure construction, government capacity building, mobilizing local governments, and attracting foreign investment. More than 220 government officials, experts and scholars from China and South Africa attended the online seminar.

Written by Liu Xiaoyun