The two countries share a mutual understanding and support one another on issues of interests. China remains committed to president Cyril Ramaphosa's efforts to boost South Africa's economy and create jobs. This is according to Lin Songtian, ambassador of China to South Africa, who spoke regarding the country's decision to lift the ban on South African beef exports. The Chinese government announced earlier this month that exports of cloven hoofed animals and related products from South Africa can continue. This comes after South Africa temporarily lost the World Organisation for Animal Health's (OIE) Foot-and-Mouth-free zone status after an outbreak in Limpopo in January this year. According to Lin, roleplayers from both countries went to great strides to lift the ban without the OIE status as it is a practical and pioneering action.

Although South Africa's official unemployment rate for the second quarter of the year increased to 29%, the agricultural sector showed an increase in employment. This is according to the Quarterly Labour Force Survey released this week by Statistics South Africa, that paints a worrying picture of more than six million people in South Africa without work.

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The ninth Produce Marketing Association's (PMA's) Fresh Connections, Southern Africa Conference and Trade Show, is underway in Cape Town. Local, regional and global decision makers from across the entire fresh produce supply chain use this event as a connecting point to build partnerships and contemplate sustainability. Farmer's Weekly editor, Denine Erasmus, reports for OFM News about some of the highlights of the first day of the conference. 

OFM News