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South Africa seeks to join BRIC

By Wu Jiao (chinadaily.com.cn)
Updated: 2010-08-25 14:34

South African President Jacob Zuma said Wednesday in Beijing that he had discussed with leaders of Brazil, Russia, India and China the possibility of joining the BRIC group, and the four countries are discussing it before a final decision.

South Africa's President Jacob Zuma delivers a speech at Renmin University of China in Beijing, August 25, 2010. Zuma on Tuesday urged China to invest more in infrastructure and manufacturing in his country, as his government seeks to broaden South Africa's economic appeal beyond mines and resources. [Agencies]

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This was Zuma's first state visit to China since taking office last May, raising bilateral ties to a "comprehensive strategic partnership" when meeting with President Hu Jintao on Tuesday.

Zuma visited Brazil, India and Russia earlier this year. He came to China accompanied by 13 cabinet ministers and a 200-strong business delegation.