South African enterprises explore opportunity for cooperation at International Supply Chain Expo

South Africa has become a most prominent presence at the ongoing 3rd China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE) which opened in Beijing on Wednesday, with 30 enterprises from the country seeking cooperation with Chinese partners in multiple fields.

The exhibition booths of South African exhibitors are bustling with visitors from various sectors, such as mining, automobile and garment, who are eager to seek supply chain partners from China and other countries.

"So we are looking for companies that can provide us with machinery, equipment to produce what we produce in South Africa that we export to other African countries as well," said a South African exhibitor.

"China is a great opportunity for us so that we want to start exporting [to] you. So it would be a great opportunity," said another one.

"We've already started communicating on WeChat, email, phone call. Even when you go back home, you still gonna communicate. We are looking forward to coming next year," said a third one.

South African Deputy President Paul Mashatile, together with five ministers of South Africa and at the head of a high-standard delegation, also came to China for the expo.

Mashatile said he expected the expo to help high-quality South African products to enter the Chinese market and deepen cooperation between the two countries.

"We think it's a very important platform to [for] South Africa companies to meet their counterparts, here other businesses, here in China, and also to showcase their products. We now want to focus on localization and ensure beneficiation of those critical minerals with China's advanced technologies and innovation," he said.

When it came to the U.S. imposition of a 30-percent tariff on South African imports starting on August 1, Mashatile said his country is negotiating with the U.S., and strengthening cooperation with other trading partners, including China, as an effective approach to deal with challenges brought by unilateralism and trade protectionism.

"It's not good for our companies. Of course, not good for many other countries. So it's important for us to diversify and look at other markets against a tariff battle that the U.S. has started. And we can only do so if we cooperate," he said.

As the world's first exhibition with the theme of supply chain, CISCE aims to connect upstream, midstream and downstream sectors, bring together large, medium-sized and small enterprises, coordinate industry, academia, research, and practical application, and foster interaction between Chinese and international businesses.

It serves four significant functions of promoting trade, fostering investment cooperation, aggregating innovation, and encouraging learning and exchange.

The 3rd CISCE runs from July 16 to 20, at the China International Exhibition Center (Shunyi Venue) in Beijing.

South African enterprises explore opportunity for cooperation at International Supply Chain Expo

The Iranian government is focusing on public concerns and maintaining stable supplies of essential goods amid recent protests, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said in a televised interview on Sunday.

In the city of Karaj, northwest of the capital Tehran, daily life has largely continued as normal. A video filmed by a local resident on Sunday shows food stores open and grocery shelves fully stocked.

"This is the block near my home, and there are some food stores here. Daily life continues here. Last night we did not see many protests in Karaj. Right now the city is very safe. This is a grocery store close to my home. All the food is available; nothing is in shortage. Here are noodles and different types of beans. Here are dairy products, cheese, and yogurt. I also checked other grocery stores and didn't see any shortages. Everything is available," said local resident Ali Reza.

Iranian officials have described recent disturbances as acts orchestrated by the "enemy," including some carried out by well-trained and armed "terrorists." The incidents have caused casualties among security personnel and civilians, as well as property damage.

The Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani has directed authorities to severely punish the "terrorists."

Meanwhile, Iran's police chief Ahmad-Reza Radan said on Sunday that the police had raised alert levels and arrested several leaders of the troublemakers during the operations on Saturday.

President Pezeshkian noted in the interview that the normal demands of the Iranian people are reasonable and justified, but they must realize that triggering riots and carrying out terrorist acts are the enemy's attempts to undermine the country. He urged the public to remain vigilant.

Also on Sunday, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned that Tehran would regard U.S. and Israeli bases and facilities in the Middle East as "legitimate targets" if Washington takes military action against Iran. His remarks followed media reports saying U.S. President Donald Trump is "seriously considering authorizing a strike" against Iran.

Iranian state media reported that at least 109 members of Iran's security forces have been killed in clashes since the protests began 14 days ago. Meanwhile, human rights groups based outside the country said the number of protesters killed has exceeded 200, though the figure could not be independently verified.

The protests initially erupted over a sharp depreciation of the rial and sweeping subsidy reforms. Iranian authorities have blamed the unrest on foreign-linked agents and sanctions imposed by the United States.

Iranian president says government focusing on ensuring supplies amid protests