国内英语新闻:China pledges more imports to optimize trade with S Africa

South Africa is China's second biggest trade partner in Africa with bilateral trade volume accounting for nearly 20 percent of China's trade with the African continent, according to Chinese customs data.

The two countries has generally maintained a trade balance as China exported machinery and durable goods to South Africa, which shipped a great amount of minerals, diamond, grape wine and crafts to China, said the Chinese leader.

"The two countries should deepen two-way investment," Jia said, citing South Africa's expertise in energy development, mineral exploration and manufacturing and China's advantages in textile, garment, electronics, telecommunications and processing.

Jia called on both countries to work closely in greenhouse gas emission reduction, new energy, forestry, finance and logistics, among others.

"China will encourage businesses with strong capacity and good credit to expand investment in South Africa's manufacturing so as to transfer technology, train staff and spur employment," he said.

Jia proposed both governments play a better role in facilitating bilateral trade, including supervising implementation of trade deals and improving work efficiency.