Despite their differences over Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and host President Joe Biden of the United States have agreed to strengthen their trade links by promoting more investments into South Africa, the presidency has said.
Ramaphosa’s official working visit to the USA ended on Saturday and saw the two leaders agree to form a joint task force on trade and investment to expand economic ties between Pretoria and Washington.
There was an agreement on the need to create a more attractive environment for American companies to invest in South Africa, where an estimated 600 US companies were already doing business in a range of sectors.
“A joint task force on trade and investment will be established to expand bilateral economic ties,” the presidency said in statement on Sunday.
In addition, South Africa will host the African Growth and Opportunity Act Forum in 2023, which is expected to map the next phase of Africa-US trade, the office said.
“President Ramaphosa welcomed the United States’ further commitment to improve bilateral trade and investment volumes which will create much needed jobs and economic growth in South Africa,” the presidency said.
However, the office added that the president expressed concern about tariffs levied by the US on South African steel and aluminium products, which the African country viewed as unfair and punitive.
Following the meeting with Biden, Ramaphosa took the opportunity to meet members of the Congressional Black Caucus and anti-apartheid veterans in Washington DC.
He expressed gratitude to the anti-apartheid activists for the significant role they played – and continue to play – in advocating for the recognition of the sovereign equality of nations.
“The voice of the Congressional Black Caucus is as relevant now as it was at the height of the fight against apartheid, putting pressure on countries in conflict to respect international human rights conventions,” Ramaphosa said.
NM/jn/APA