Russia's Industrial Development Experience is Valuable for Africa, South African Trade Minister Says

"We have observed a number of areas in which Russia has developed and evolved in terms of industrial capability that we'd like to leverage," the official noted on the sidelines of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF).

"This is also important in the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement and ensuring that all our sister countries on the continent that constitute part of this Africa Continental Free Trade Agreement are able to build that capability," the minister explained.

"This [SPIEF] is reflective of a historic relationship that has evolved over years with the Russian Federation, [...] but also more recent engagements at the level of developing countries and the challenges that we face, the network that has been built around the BRICS network of countries that are working together. And this is translating into a commitment to work together, to trade, to invest in our respective countries," he said.

"BRICS Plus has always said that it is important that developing countries are able to grow, are able to develop their competitiveness and their ability to trade as equals in the international trading system," the official remarked.

"Diversity of media is always important. It creates a platform for us. It's also part of a cultural exchange. It's the ability to communicate with each other, to know what's happening in our respective regions and continents, and to be able to ensure that we're able to disseminate information from across the world," Tau said.