From November 4 to 17, 2024, the Seminar on Poverty Reduction and Sustainable Development for South Africa, hosted by the Ministry of Commerce and organized by the International Poverty Reduction Center in China, was successfully held in Beijing. 20 officials from various departments of South Africa, including the Presidency, the National School of Government, the Department of Small Business Development, local governments, and research institutions, participated in the seminar.

During the seminar presentations, participants gained insights into China's policies and measures for poverty reduction and rural development, as well as the implementation models used. They also exchanged and shared South Africa's experiences and practices in poverty alleviation. Under the leadership of Liu Junwen, Director General of the International Poverty Reduction Center in China, the group conducted on-site visits to several projects, including: rural governance in Xuetian Village, Lingui District in Guilin; the terraced rice culture in Dazhai Village, Longji Town, Longsheng County in Guilin; relocation and resettlement program in Nanzhan Community, Sanjiang County in Liuzhou City; the tea industry in Buyang Village, Sanjiang County in Liuzhou City, ect. On November 17, Xu Kai, Deputy Director General of the Academy for International Business Officials(AIBO), Ministry of Commerce, and Jie Ping, Deputy Director General of the International Poverty Reduction Center in China(IPRCC), attended the closing ceremony and delivered speeches. Ms. NOMVULA SOPHY MAKGOTLHO, Chief Director at the South African Department of Small Business Development, spoke on behalf of the participants.

In his speech, Deputy Director General Xu Kai congratulated the participants on the successful completion of the seminar and expressed appreciation for the efforts of the International Poverty Reduction Center in China for organizing the program. He highlighted the longstanding friendship and deep ties between the peoples of China and South Africa, noting that South Africa is China's largest trading partner in Africa. Xu emphasized that in the face of a complex and volatile global economic environment, only by working together can nations enhance the well-being of their people, address various challenges, and further achieve sustainable development.

Ms. NOMVULA SOPHY MAKGOTLHO, Chief Director at the South African Department of Small Business Development, expressed gratitude for the opportunity given by AIBO and the effective organization of IPRCC, “We saw the root-cause analysis of poverty, targeted poverty alleviation approach and extensive mobilization of local area, China’s experience and pathway allow South Africa to learn.” Mr. PULE JOSIAH  SHAYI, Acting Mayor of Mopani District in South Africa, stated that the seminar provided a rare opportunity for learning. He expressed gratitude for the important platform that facilitated mutual exchange and discussion, contributing to the advancement of South Africa's poverty reduction efforts. He noted that the South African government is committed to increasing investment, developing the economy, and creating more job opportunities. "We hope to strengthen cultural exchanges with China and enhance the China-Africa partnership", he said, "Through mechanisms like the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) and South-South Cooperation, we aim to accelerate South Africa's development."