UK wants to double trade with SA

British Minister for Africa, Henry Bellingham, promised to double trade volume and bolster economic ties between South Africa and his native country by 2015.

Bellingham made the pledge during his bilateral discussions with International Relations and Cooperation Deputy Minister, Ebrahim I Ebrahim, on Wednessday in Pretoria.

The trade goal was set by President Jacob Zuma during his state visit to the UK in March earlier this year.

Britain is one of South Africa's major trading partners, while the former remains one of the top two largest foreign investors in South Africa. There are over 200 South African companies that have established a presence in the UK.

Total trade between the UK and South Africa increased by over 100 percent (173 percent) between 1998 and 2008, from R25.492 billion to R69.630 billion.

Bilateral relations between South Africa and the UK are strong across the board, covering fields as diverse as defence, trade liberalisation and development co-operation. - BuaNews