Cape Town – President Cyril Ramaphosa has called for the trade deficit between South Africa and China to be narrowed.
Ramaphosa held official talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing on Monday.
He is currently on a State Visit to China, where he will also attend the Forum on China–Africa Cooperation Summit (FOCAC).
While acknowledging the growth in bilateral trade, Ramaphosa emphasised the need to address South Africa’s trade structure with China, its largest trading partner globally.
President Cyril Ramaphosa met with Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Beijing today. Ramaphosa is on a state visit there, and will participate in this week’s four day China-Africa Forum. #eNCA #DStv403 #QuestionThinkAct pic.twitter.com/PgaIrIWZfE
— eNCA (@eNCA) September 2, 2024
“We have witnessed an increase in our bilateral trade. However, as South Africa, we would like to narrow the trade deficit and address the structure of our trade,” the president said.
He added: “As we enter a new phase of our partnership, we should continue to consult closely in pursuit of a just, equitable and prosperous world.
“I believe that our elevated levels of mutual trust will accommodate each other’s interests, views and concerns – and deepen our cooperation as we build a shared future.”
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Picture: X/@CyrilRamaphosa
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
