Zuma visits China to boost ties

S AFRICA: South frica’s President Jacob Zuma tomorrow makes an official visit to China to broaden ties with the emerging superpower which is fast becoming a top investor in Africa.

The visit is seen as an opportunity to harness shared interests, with no begging bowl in hand.

Trade between China and Africa’s biggest economy has been growing since 1998, and Beijing last year overtook the United States as South Africa’s largest export destination.

“Trade statistics with China continue to reflect the potential that still exists for expanding the commercial relationship,” the foreign ministry said ahead of the visit.

Bilateral trade grew two percent last year to 119.7 billion rand (16.3 billion dollars, 12.9 billion dollars), driven by Chinese demand for raw materials.

Johannesburg, Sunday, AFP