By IANS,
Sanya (China) : South African President Jacob Zuma arrived here Wednesday to attend the BRICS – Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa – summit scheduled for Thursday.
Chinese President Hu Jintao will meet Zuma on the sidelines of the summit to exchange views on bilateral ties and issues of common concern, reported Xinhua.
China is now South Africa’s largest trade partner. Bilateral trade of the two countries jumped about 60 percent year on year to $25.65 billion in 2010.
President Zuma earlier said that the grouping of the BRICS will offer huge opportunities for South Africa’s trade and economic development.
“We are greatly honoured by the invitation to join the Brazil, Russia, India and China grouping. The invitation indicates the high regard with which our country is viewed internationally,” Zuma told Xinhua.
South Africa was invited to join it in 2010.
The BRICS countries accounted for 18 percent of the global gross domestic product (GDP) in 2010. Some 42 percent of the world’s population live in the five emerging economies.
During the summit, the BRICS leaders will discuss international situation, global economic and financial issues, development affairs and cooperation among BRICS countries. The leaders are expected to release a joint document after the meeting.