President Jacob Zuma expressed his gratitude to France’s President François Hollande for “outstanding hospitality”‚ but jokingly suggested the choice of wine could have been better.

Addressing the South Africa-France Business Forum as part of his state visit‚ Zuma lauded the “signing of the Economic Partnership Agreement between the European Union and six countries of the Southern African Development Community‚ including South Africa”.

“This development-oriented agreement is the first of its kind with an African region pursuing regional economic integration‚” he told current and potential investors in Paris.

He said this had given South Africa “improved market access for 32 agricultural products”‚ including “sugar and ethanol within the agreed upon duty-free ranges”‚ but‚ more importantly‚ also for wine.

“Yes‚ South African wine is the best! If you have not tasted it yet‚ do not be left behind. Do so without delay‚” Zuma exclaimed.

“You will not be disappointed.

“There is also improved access for our exports of flowers‚ some dairy‚ fruit and fruit products.”