B20 South Africa expresses optimism amidst US-SA tensions ahead of G20 Summit

Trump administration refuses to give feedback on the Framework proposed by South Africa

- SIPHELELE DLUDLA

THE Business 20 (B20) South Africa has expressed confidence in negotiations between South Africa's government and the United States amidst freezing diplomatic and trade relations ahead of the G20 Summit to be held in Johannesburg later in the year.

This comes as US President Donald Trump said on Tuesday he might skip the upcoming Group of 20 (G20) leaders' summit in South Africa in November and send someone else to represent the United States, citing his disapproval of South African policies.

B20 Sherpa, Cas Coovadia, said on Wednesday they were ramping up efforts to foster collaboration among nations, with the US taking a central role.

Coovadia said recent discussions led by B20 representatives have underscored the undeniable significance of American business participation, culminating in proactive engagement with the American Chamber of Commerce in Washington.

"Firstly, just to say that American business, as well as the American Chamber of Commerce in Washington, has been very supportive of the B20. We've got C-suite American business people on the task forces. We've got some as co-chairs on Task Forces," Coovadia said.

"I've been in constant contact with the American Chamber of Commerce, and their point person for the B20 has been participating in relevant meetings.

So, that is not just waiting until the end of the year to hand over, but we've been working very closely with them.