Iconic SA sites on show ahead of FOCAC

Published Dec 1, 2015

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Johannesburg - Excitement was palpable on Tuesday as local and international journalists toured several parts of Johannesburg ahead of the Forum for China-Africa Co-operation (FOCAC) summit.

Organised by Brand South Africa and the Gauteng Tourism Authority, the event began at the iconic Constitution Hill, went past the traffic-gridlocked Johannesburg central streets before heading to Soweto.

“The tour is intended to showcase South Africa to media - both domestic - as well as those travelling to South Africa to cover the FOCAC Summit,” said Manusha Pillay, Communications Manager for Brand SA.

“Media are a critical vehicle through which to tell the South African story and Brand South Africa wanted to leverage the heightened awareness of South Africa - due to the FOCAC Summit - to highlight some of South Africa's competitive strengths, including in the areas of investment and business friendliness, science, technology and innovation as well as arts, culture and heritage.”

She said all media accredited to cover the high-level FOCAC summit and local media houses were invited to participate in the tour.

“We did receive some interest from media but we are hopeful this will increase in the future. This is a wonderful opportunity to experience South Africa,” said Pillay.

“This tour was intended to offer a South African experience to media. It was intended to showcase our country's strengths and we hope that this will highlight to media, and therefore to consumers of media, a different narrative to one that we read in the headlines.”

Chinese journalist Qin-Jian Wu said the tour, which began on Friday had been an eye-opener.

“Now I have a vision of both the current and future of South Africa. As we went around, we have seen businesses owned by Chinese people who are very successful.

“They are creating jobs and creating employment for local people,” said Wu.

“We have also seen several investments at the Johannesburg Stock Exchange. This shows that the Chinese are interested in investing into Africa, particularly into South Africa. I think that will be improved after President Xi (Jinping) comes for the FOCAC summit.”

On Wednesday, President Jacob Zuma will be hosting the Chinese president on a state visit to Pretoria.

A statement by the international relations department on Tuesday said total trade between South Africa and China experienced growth, growing from R118 billion in 2009 to R271 billion by the end of 2013.

The FOCAC summit will be held on December 4 and 5 under the theme: “Africa-China Progressive Together: Win-Win Cooperation for Common Development”.

Numerous African heads of state have confirmed attendance.

Jinping began his African tour with a visit to Zimbabwe on Tuesday. He was reportedly received in Harare with a 21-gun salute after being welcomed by President Robert Mugabe.

African News Agency

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