South Africa's President Zuma on Trade Visit in China

Bilateral trade between China and South Africa grew 56.1 percent in the first six months this year, with a total trade value of 10.81 billion U.S. dollars.

South African President Jacod Zuma arrived in Beijing yesterday, starting a four-day visit to China, aiming at strengthening business ties and broadening political and cultural relationship.

President Zuma, who is struggling with sluggish growth at home, seeks to “boost trade” on a visit to China, and at the same time, borrows ideas from China’s quick economic recovery, according to Business Report.

The country’s economic growth is forecasted at 2.3 percent, but it failed to reach the level the country needed to dent chronic unemployment.

Bilateral trade between China and South Africa—which has been boosted since the two countries established diplomatic relations 12 years ago, grew 56.1 percent in the first six months this year, with a total trade value of 10.81 billion U.S. dollars, figures show. China has become South Africa’s largest export destination and South Africa is China’s biggest trade partner in Africa.

When addressing at the China-South Africa Business Forum on Tuesday, President Zuma urged China to invest more in infrastructure and manufacturing in his country, as his government is trying to expand trade and investment to meet its development needs.

Chinese Vice-Minister of Commerce Gao Hucheng said China hopes to build a long-term relationship with South Africa in areas connecting to energy and resources.

The Chinese government encourages companies to invest in the mining and resource areas and economic relations are always fundamental to both parties, he added.