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South African Citrus Industry Celebrates China Protocol Amendment for Export Boost

South African Citrus Industry Celebrates China Protocol Amendment for Export Boost

The South African citrus industry has welcomed China's amendment to the plant health protocol governing citrus exports, marking a significant milestone for the country's presence in the Chinese market. The amendment introduces new cold treatment options, enhancing phytosanitary compliance and reflecting collaborative research efforts between South African and Chinese authorities. Hannes de Waal, Vice Chair of the Citrus Growers’ Association of Southern Africa (CGA), expressed enthusiasm for the new arrangements, highlighting the longstanding partnership between the two nations. The amendment is expected to deliver substantial benefits for South African producers and Chinese consumers, increasing fruit quality and reducing export costs.

African Farming Imbizo 2026 Highlights Challenges and Opportunities for South African Agriculture

African Farming Imbizo 2026 Highlights Challenges and Opportunities for South African Agriculture

The African Farming Agri-Development Imbizo 2026, held at the Time Square Hotel in Pretoria, brought together over 200 delegates from various sectors within the agricultural value chain. The event focused on aligning resources, unlocking opportunities, and strengthening partnerships to accelerate the growth of South Africa's next generation of commercial farmers. Key discussions included the impact of foot-and-mouth disease on the red meat industry, investment readiness for emerging farmers, and the importance of structured business models for accessing finance. The Imbizo also featured insights from Brazil's agricultural attaché, Rodrigo Lopes de Almeida, who shared Brazil's successful transformation into a major agricultural producer through research, innovation, and policy alignment.

South Africa unveils draft AI policy, proposes new institutions and incentives

South Africa unveils draft AI policy, proposes new institutions and incentives

By Nqobile Dludla JOHANNESBURG, April 10 (Reuters) - South Africa on Friday unveiled a draft national AI policy, seeking public comment on sweeping proposals to regulate and accelerate AI adoption.

Economic shock of Middle East war to cast shadow over IMF, World Bank meetings

Economic shock of Middle East war to cast shadow over IMF, World Bank meetings

By Andrea Shalal WASHINGTON, April 12 (Reuters) - Top finance officials from around the world will convene in Washington this week under the shadow of the war in the Middle East, which has delivered a third major shock to the global economy after the COVID pandemic and Russia's full-scale invasion

China's Chery looking to expand car production in Europe, top executives say

China's Chery looking to expand car production in Europe, top executives say

PARIS, April 12 (Reuters) - Chery is looking to expand car production in Europe through partnerships with other automakers allowing it to use existing factories, top executives at the Chinese carmaker said at an event in Paris.

High Diesel Prices Pose Ongoing Risk for Farmers Amid Global Tensions

High Diesel Prices Pose Ongoing Risk for Farmers Amid Global Tensions

Farmers are facing significant challenges due to persistently high diesel prices, despite a recent drop in oil prices following a U.S.-Iran ceasefire. The agricultural sector is particularly vulnerable as planting and harvesting seasons approach. Delays in the international oil supply chain mean that diesel prices could remain elevated, impacting operational costs for farmers. The situation is exacerbated by potential shortages and the fluctuating rand-US dollar exchange rate. The South African government has temporarily reduced fuel taxes to mitigate the impact, but this relief is set to expire soon, potentially leading to further price increases.

Alberta Minister RJ Sigurdson Embarks on Trade Mission to China to Boost Agri-Food Exports

Alberta Minister RJ Sigurdson Embarks on Trade Mission to China to Boost Agri-Food Exports

RJ Sigurdson, Alberta's Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation, is leading a trade mission to China to explore new investment opportunities and strengthen existing trade relationships. This marks the first official visit by an Alberta elected official to China since 2018. The mission aims to position Alberta as a reliable supplier of high-quality agriculture and agri-food products. Sigurdson is accompanied by a committee of 10 members with expertise in business, academia, and public policy. The itinerary includes attending the China International Consumer Products Expo and meetings with Chinese agricultural importers and industry associations. China is Alberta's third-largest export market for agri-food products, with exports totaling $1.4 billion in 2025.

North Korean leader Kim backs China's push for ‘multipolar world’ in talks with foreign minister

North Korean leader Kim backs China's push for ‘multipolar world’ in talks with foreign minister

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has voiced support for China’s push to build a multipolar world and called for deeper ties between the traditional allies

Skepticism Surrounds Alleged Data Breach of Chinese Supercomputer

Skepticism Surrounds Alleged Data Breach of Chinese Supercomputer

Hackers claiming to have breached the National Supercomputing Center in Tianjin, China, are demanding cryptocurrency for the alleged data. The group, FlamingChina, claims to have stolen 10 petabytes of data related to advanced science and defense agencies. However, security researchers are skeptical about the legitimacy of the breach. The hacker group offered a sample of the data for $3,000 in cryptocurrency, with the full data set available to the highest bidder. Despite the claims, experts question the feasibility of extracting such a large amount of data unnoticed. CNN has reached out to Chinese authorities for comment, but no official response has been provided.

Beijing calculates its next steps in Iran ceasefire ahead of Trump's trip to China

Beijing calculates its next steps in Iran ceasefire ahead of Trump's trip to China

With a fragile ceasefire agreement between the U.S. and Iran holding for now, China is considering its role in helping find a durable endgame to the war in the Middle East

EU and US near critical minerals deal to combat Chinese control, Bloomberg News reports

EU and US near critical minerals deal to combat Chinese control, Bloomberg News reports

April 10 (Reuters) - The European Union and Washington are closing in on an agreement to coordinate on producing and securing critical minerals, Bloomberg News reported on Friday.

Trump's Ceasefire with Iran Faces Immediate Challenges Over Strait of Hormuz

Trump's Ceasefire with Iran Faces Immediate Challenges Over Strait of Hormuz

President Trump announced a 14-day ceasefire with Iran, marking a dramatic shift from previous threats of 'annihilation.' The ceasefire, brokered with the help of Pakistan and China, aims to de-escalate the nearly six-week conflict. However, the agreement's terms are already under dispute, particularly regarding the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and the inclusion of Lebanon in the ceasefire. Iran insists that the ceasefire includes an end to Israeli operations in Lebanon, a claim denied by both Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The U.S. demands Iran reopen the strait, which was closed in response to Israeli attacks on Hezbollah in Lebanon.