In a significant move toward enhancing South-South cooperation, South Africa's Western Cape Provincial Minister of Social Development, Jaco Londt, has lauded the zero-tariff policy implemented by China for African countries. Speaking at the 7th China-CEEC Local Leaders' Meeting and the 2026 Shandong International Friendship Cities Cooperation and Exchange Week, Minister Londt emphasized that such policies provide vital new opportunities for a continent currently grappling with high unemployment rates.
The relationship between the Western Cape and Shandong is one of long-standing partnership, rooted in shared characteristics as major coastal and agricultural hubs. According to Minister Londt, cooperation between the two regions has continued to deepen across several critical sectors, including agriculture, healthcare, trade, and youth exchanges.
Beyond trade policies, the Minister highlighted the positive impact of Chinese investment within the Western Cape. He expressed a strong desire to further strengthen people-to-people ties, particularly through increased exchanges among young people, to foster mutual understanding and future innovation.
Looking toward the future of connectivity, Minister Londt welcomed an increase in Chinese visitors to Cape Town and voiced his hope for the establishment of direct flights between the two regions, which would further catalyze tourism and business ties.
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South African provincial minister praises China's zero-tariff policy
cgtn.com
