S. Africa to utilize Chinese model in 're-industrialization'

CAPE TOWN - South Africa will utilize the Chinese model in its "re-industrialization" process, the presidency said on Sunday.

This is one of the purposes of Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa's visit to China from July 13 to 17, his spokesperson Ronnie Mamoepa said.

His visit will focus on economic and trade issues, particularly on how state-owned enterprises can be utilized to promote economic growth and address poverty and unemployment, Mamoepa said.

During his visit, Ramaphosa will meet Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang. He will also hold talks with his Chinese counterpart Li Yuanchao to discuss a number of issues within the context of a Five-to-Ten Year Strategic Program signed during President Jacob Zuma's visit to China last year, according to Mamoepa.

The two sides will discuss cooperation in trade and investment, finance -- including the BRICS New Development Bank, infrastructure development, energy issues, vocational training and South Africa's co-hosting of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation later this year, said Mamoepa.

China is now South Africa's largest trading partner. Bilateral trade has enjoyed an upward trajectory since 2009, growing from about $9.52 billion to about $22 billion by the end of 2013.

"We believe that this visit is an important step towards increasing our trade with the People's Republic of China," Mamoepa added.