PRESIDENT Jacob Zuma arrived in Guangdong Province, China, on Monday to attend the second Investing in Africa Forum (IAF).
The IAF takes place today and tomorrow and was initiated by the China Development Bank, together with the Chinese government, in 2015.
The Presidency said the IAF has become an important platform and it brings leaders from business, government and international organisations together to discuss and explore opportunities for investment in Africa.
“This year’s discussions at the forum will focus on investment opportunities on the African continent in areas such as agriculture and agribusiness, infrastructure development, manufacturing, trade, tourism and renewable energy.
“Partnerships between China and South Africa in vocational training and skills development will also be discussed.”
On August 29, the Guangdong Province signed a memorandum of understanding with KwaZulu-Natal to ensure closer co-operation between the two provinces in areas such as tourism, agriculture, ports, education and cultural exchanges, the Presidency said.
“A business forum held in KwaZulu-Natal province on August 30, 2016 brought together business leaders from Guangdong Province and South Africa, and resulted in the signing of several agreements to the value of 189 million US dollars.
“President Zuma will use his participation in the Investing in Africa Forum to promote South Africa as a stable democracy and an attractive investment destination.”
The Presidency said South Africa’s priorities in the G20 for 2016 include: strong, sustainable, balanced and inclusive growth; decent employment; efficient and responsive economic infrastructure; increased investment in infrastructure; reducing illicit financial flows through co-ordination of international tax; co-ordination of international financial regulatory developments; international co-ordination on development, which includes domestic resource mobilisation (DRM); and ensuring synergy with UN processes on the post-2015 development agenda and financing for development.
While in Hangzhou, Zuma will have a bilateral meeting with his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, as well as meet leaders of the Brics nations, presidential spokesperson Bongani Ngqulunga said.
It is also expected that a trilateral meeting between South Africa, Chad (chair of the African Union) and Senegal (chair of the New Partnership for Africa’s Development or Nepad) will take place on the sidelines.
Zuma is also expected to interact with representatives of Business 20 (B20)