Ramaphosa: SA looking to strengthen trade ties with China
President Cyril Ramaphosa says South Africa is looking to strengthen trade ties with China as it marks its 25th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries.
Chinese President Xi Jinping will make his fourth state visit to South Africa on Tuesday ahead of the BRICS Summit.
In his weekly newsletter, Ramaphosa said South Africa wanted to address the trade deficit between the two countries.
Bilateral trade with China has grown from less than one billion rand in 1998 to over R614 billion in 2022.
President Ramaphosa said relations between South Africa and China were underpinned by a 10-year strategic programme of cooperation which will end in 2029.
He said Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit was an opportunity to assess progress made in the areas of cooperation and to identify ways of deepening collaboration.
Over 200 Chinese companies have a presence in South Africa.
Ramaphosa has outlined key strategic areas for the two countries, citing energy and tourism as two that hold potential.
SA Tourism expects inbound Chinese tourism to recover to pre-COVID levels by 2026 and the country will be actively promoted at a number of upcoming Chinese expos.
Ramaphosa said South Africa was encouraged by China’s support for its presidency of the G20 group of countries in 2025 and both countries are committed to transforming global governance institutions to give developing economies a voice.
-EWN
In other news – Huge blow for DJ Zinhle as her song removed from streaming platforms
Popular South African DJ, producer, media personality, and businesswoman, DJ Zinhle has expressed displeasure after her latest song Thula was removed from Apple Music and iTunes.
The song, which features songstress Cici, was released in July this year. Taking to Twitter at the weekend, the businesswoman said she does not why the song was taken off some streaming platforms. She, however, said that she and her team are trying to find a solution and directed her fans to other streaming platforms. Read More
