China, S Africa to consider working within BRI, ERRP frameworks

This was announced in a joint statement after Chinese President Xi Jinping visited South Africa yesterday to discuss with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa bilateral relations, China-Africa cooperation, and regional and international affairs of mutual interest.

Both sides pledged to continue to seek the strengthening of cooperation in key areas like infrastructure and logistics; trade and investment; manufacturing; agro-processing; energy and resources; the financial sector; the digital economy; science and technology, and green development.

The two sides undertook to strengthen their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership henceforth, actively build a quality China-South Africa community, and play a meaningful, joint role in China-Africa relations and South-South cooperation, the joint statement said.

South Africa pledged continuous support for China on issues concerning its core interests and major concerns and reaffirmed its commitment to the one-China policy.

The two sides agreed to improve the current trade structure, address market access, enhance two-way investment, and keep industrial and supply chains stable and secure.

China expressed its support for the development of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the African integration process, as well as the efforts of African countries and regional organisations under the auspices of the African Union (AU) to provide continental solutions to African problems.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS)