CRI听力:2014 South Africa Expo in China Reaches Beijing

This year's South Africa Expo in China has come to Beijing, following stops in Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Chengdu and Shanghai.

CRI's Luo Yu stopped by the event here in the capital.

A delegation of 51 South African companies is participating in the expo this year in a bid to promote trade and investment between the two countries.

Rosemary Mashaba is with the South African Embassy in China.

"Through this exhibition and seminar, you will have an opportunity to learn much more about our country, that what our country has to offer. We are confident that we will also provide a solid platform for the establishment of good relations between sellers and buyers, leading to improved trade relationships between our two countries."

As of 2010, China became South Africa's largest trading partner. Major exports to China include iron and steel.

Cao Jiachang, Deputy Director General of the Department of African Affairs of the Ministry of Commerce, expects future trade to shift to value-added products.

"China has a consumer market composed of 1.3 billion people and has comparative advantage in traditional manufacturing. South Africa ranks top among African countries in economy, and influences other African countries. South Africa leads in mineral and agricultural production and future demand centers on the deep processing of those products. I hope that both countries will further exchange ideas on value-added products in the abovementioned areas."

Dr. Rob Davies, Minister of the Trade and Industry Department in South Africa echoes China's standpoint.

"So the exhibition that we have today is about value-added products that South Africa can supply to the Chinese market. It's a product of the comprehensive strategic partnership agreement that was signed during the visit by President Zuma's in 2010. We've seen some successes in the past. We've seen that, for example, wine, we think our wine is incredibly competitive. It's quality, but at a lower price that you will get from the old world's suppliers of wine."

This year has been themed "The year of South Africa in China". Apart from agro-processing, the two countries vow to bring added value to sectors involving mining, automobiles, information technology, and more.

Beijing is the last stop of this year's expos.

For CRI, I'm Luo Yu.