South Africa Wants Deepening Trade with Russia

(MENAFN) South African Vice President Paul Mashatile has encouraged Russian enterprises to invest in his nation as part of an effort to “double” commercial exchange between the two BRICS partners.

The appeal was made during Mashatile’s visit to Moscow on Wednesday, where he held discussions with Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin.

The talks focused on expanding joint collaboration in a variety of fields, such as energy and farming.

“Our markets are open to Russian enterprises, companies. They can come to our country and do business in South Africa,” Mashatile declared, based on the official record of the meeting shared on the Russian administration’s website.

He further emphasized, “We believe that South Africa is the gateway to the continent of Africa.

And once you come to our country, you have markets of a billion people, if we are talking about the entire continent,” highlighting South Africa's strategic position as a hub for the wider African market.

Mashatile also voiced worry about the recent downturn in commerce between South Africa and Russia, noting Pretoria's intention to strengthen financial connections with Moscow and reverse the decline.

“We want trade between Russia and South Africa to double,” he affirmed.

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