S. African, Chinese enterprises explore opportunities for partnership

A delegation of over 35 business people from China's Zhejiang Province held a trade and investment symposium on Monday in Johannesburg with the aim of promoting business cooperation between the two countries.

Wu Guiying, chairperson of Zhejiang provincial committee of China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, said the current weak global growth, unstable commodity prices disrupting recovery of economies call for stronger cooperation between the two countries.

"We decide to come to South Africa for face-to-face dialogue for future development, to negotiate future projects and promote cooperation," Wu said.

Wu urged South African counterparts to tap opportunities in Zhejiang province in tourism, manufacturing, environment, health, and culture.

"In China we say 'rivers and lakes do not reject small stream'," Wu said. "Grab the opportunity regardless of the size of enterprise and establish a relationship and set a good example for the benefit of both countries."

Sadick Jaffer, chief director of investment promotion at the South African Department of Trade and Industry, said the symposium will enhance cooperation between the two countries.

"The symposium will deepen economic relations between China and South Africa for a common determination to take the relations to greater heights," said Jaffer.

He said there are opportunities in the country in such fields as infrastructure, power generation and housing.

"The dialogue will give opportunity to share ideas and information and use the platform for optimized concrete results," he added.

Rong Yansong, economic and commercial counsellor of the Chinese Embassy in South Africa, explained the incentives offered by the South African government for foreign investment.

Over 130 Chinese enterprises now employ about 20,000 locals in South Africa, Rong said.

"The South African government prioritizes manufacturing for poverty reduction and social equality and employment creation," he said.

Wilson Makaringe, executive director of South Africa Farm Together Group, told Xinhua that he is excited for the offer by the Chinese business delegation. Makaringe said he wants to export to China his farm's bananas, avocados, tomatoes and peanuts.

Tarron Bowers, managing director of Gianna Enterprises, told Xinhua she will approach the South African Department of Trade and Industry about how she could be assisted to join a future trip to China.

"This is an exciting opportunity for business in China," she said. "I will take the information from this symposium and work on it." Endit