Economic and commercial counselor of the South African Chinese Embassy Rong Yangsong

China has helped train 102 South African technicians and officials in numerous fields within the framework of Forum of China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in 2013. In addition, 59 South Africans went to China for textile and special economic zone (SEZ) training courses tailor-made for South Africans upon the request of the SA's Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

Speaking at the reception for South African Participants in China's 2013 Training Program held at the Chinese Embassy's Economic and Commercial Counselor's Office in Pretoria, on November 21, 2013, economic and commercial counselor of the Chinese Embassy Rong Yangsong said China's assistance in the human resources sector has played an active role in promoting capacity building and social and economic development in South Africa. He hoped those who have received training in China could make better contributions to their country's development and act as envoys of friendship between China and South Africa.

Robin Toli, chief director of National Treasury, expressed his gratitude for China's assistance to South Africa over the past decade and believes that the Bilateral Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two nations will witness further achievements.

Usanda Gqwaru, a young man who returned from an SEZ training course recently, said that during the short-term program he and other participants went to Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen and Tianjin to learn how SEZs, which have played an important role in China's development, are managed.

More than 70 returning trainees South African government officials, representatives of UN agencies and diplomats of other countries attended the reception.