World Trade Organisation (WTO) director general Pascal Lamy is visiting South Africa for two days of meetings with high-level South African authorities, including President Jacob Zuma.

Local newspaper Business Report stated that Lamy would be discussing trade finance, protectionism, and aid for trade.

Lamy has often spoken out against protectionism, and warned that it would only serve to deepen and prolong the effects of the global recession.

The WTO released its second Trade Policy Review Body report in April, which was compiled by the WTO Secretariat and highlighted any trade or trade-related measures undertaken by member countries since September 2008. The measures were merely stated, without judgement on their trade impact or their legality with members' commitments at the WTO was made.

South Africa, has recently been considering lifting some of its tariffs to bound levels, in order to shield some of its ailing industries, such as clothing as textiles. South African Trade and Industry officials noted that the country did not have the resources to ‘bail out' certain companies or sectors, as developed nations did, however, the country did have room to raise tariffs in an attempt to assist certain sectors.

The Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu) would not be meeting with Lamy while he was in South Africa, and staged a demonstration against his visit, stating that the "WTO negotiations threaten the industries in South Africa and the job creation focus of our country".

Newswire Sapa on Friday reported, that the demonstration by Cosatu, which took place outside Parliament in Cape Town, was poorly attended and lasted some 20 minutes.