China-South Africa remain friends with trade benefits

Overcoming power outages

South Africa would struggle to emerge as a major manufacturing nation in the midst of frequent rolling blackouts. Hence, its government is pouring substantial funds into constructing eight new nuclear power plants, as reported by the China Post.

Chinese and South African nuclear regulators have recently signed a technical agreement on matters that include, "licensing procedures, vendor inspections, inspector training, joint inspections and technical support."

"Bilateral cooperation arrangements such as these serve as a valuable mechanism for ensuring that (South Africa's) NNR (National Nuclear Regulator) regulatory practices are benchmarked against the current standards and practices as applied internationally with the nuclear energy," said NNR CEO Bismark Tyobeka.

Cheers to Western Cape wine

There's much ado about South Africa's natural resources and mining sector, but it's also recognized for having flourishing vineyards located in the Western Cape Province. South African wine exports to China have increased rapidly, surging to over 11 million liters in 2014.

Provincial government and trade officials had just visited China earlier this month to encourage companies to invest in the regional wine sector and to launch a publicity campaign for Chinese wine lovers.

"We have doubled our market share and our value share is up 104 percent," Alan Winde, Western Cape's Economic Opportunities Minister told Xinhua. "We aim to double the exports of wine to China by 2025. If the current trend continues, I am confident we will reach that goal."

The wine industry employs over 167,00 in the Western Cape and for the past three consecutive years, Perfect China, has earned the distinction as China's biggest importer of South African wine.

SA's business partner and teacher

South Africa appears on the brink of enjoying robust economic growth, but its business community must learn more while in its developmental phase. China had experienced numerous challenges during this stage of economic growth, but the country had risen to a stronger nation.

Therefore, China's businesses can teach South Africa how to advance to become more prominent players in the global economy, which would create win-win benefits for both sides.