By Zweli Martin Dlamini

PRETORIA:Wu Peng,the newly appointed Chinese Ambassador to the Republic of South Africa says,free access to the Chinese market has helped in developing African countries.

The new Ambassador was speaking during an exclusive interview with IOL News last week, where he touched on various diplomatic and trade issues including the achievements of South Africa and China since the establishment of the diplomatic relations.

“For the past 15 years in a row, China has been the largest trading partner not only for South Africa, but also for the Africa continent. On the other hand, South Africa has now been China’s largest trading partner in Africa for 14 years straight.From January to May this year, our bilateral trade reached US$23.5 billion. South African exports to China were US$15.3 billion, up 14 percent year-on-year,” he said.

The new Chinese Ambassador further noted that,South African wine, rooibos tea, aloe gel, and other quality products “are now very popular” on the Chinese market.

“Actually, before I came here, I saw rooibos tea in a five-star hotel in China. It costs you 60 yuan to get a cup, which is roughly R150. Of course, I bought myself a cup. It tastes really nice but R150 is a little expensive. That is why I think China should import more rooibos tea and bring the price down, so that more (people) can enjoy rooibos tea in China.The Chinese government is committed to advancing high-level opening-up. We are ready to share our mega-sized market with all countries, including South Africa. It is estimated that by 2035, China will have 800 million people in the middle-income group”, said the Ambassador.

The Ambassador said,he arrived in South Africa in the winter but realized that,the temperatures were warmer than Beijing and complemented by the warm hospitality of the South African people.

“I arrived here in the middle of South Africa’s beautiful winter. I have to say, winter in South Africa is much warmer and more pleasant than in Beijing. More importantly, the people here are so kind and hospitable. I feel even warmer because of their friendship.To me, South Africa has amazing weather, massive resources and just everything it takes to achieve sound development”, Wu told IOL News. 

The Chinese Ambassador said,in the past three(3) decades,under African National Congress (ANC) governments, South Africa made great progress in socio-economic development. 

“To that, I say congratulations. South Africa’s strong development is a perfect example of the rise of the Global South.As the new Chinese Ambassador, it is my duty to promote friendship, exchanges and practical cooperation between our two countries,so that our relations continue to move forward. China has always been South Africa’s brother, sister and friend. We are ready to further contribute to South Africa’s modernisation drive as your sound partner,” he said.

The diplomat further mentioned that, after assuming the reins at the Pretoria Embassy he has been warmly welcomed by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), and advised to give special focus to two(2) pressing matters-cooperation in renewable energy, and job creation for South Africa’s youth.