In 2005, the trade volume between China and South Africa grew 23 percent year-on-year to 7.27 billion U.S. dollars, making South Africa remain China's largest trade partner in Africa.

China is willing to enhance technology transfer and investment cooperation with South Africa in textile, agriculture, mining and medicine, said Chinese Vice Minister of Commerce Wei Jianguo, when meeting here Wednesday with Vusi Koloane, charge d'affaires of South Africa in China.

China hopes the first round talks on establishment of free trade area between China and the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) will be started as soon as possible, Wei said.

Wei also urged South Africa to take substantial measures to protect the life and property of Chinese citizens living in the country.

Three Chinese business people were killed by armed robbers in South Africa within the space of 36 hours last weekend; another one was killed earlier this year.

South Africa will further improve its investment environment so as to attract more Chinese business people, said Vusi Koloane.