Beijing: Deputy President Paul Mashatile has concluded a working visit to China aimed at strengthening bilateral relations and economic cooperation between South Africa and China.
According to South African Government News Agency, the Deputy President participated in the third China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE) at the invitation of Ren Hongbin, the Chairman of China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT). The expo, held from July 16 to 20, 2025, in Beijing, is the world’s first national-level expo dedicated to global supply chains.
The event, organized by the CCPIT under the auspices of the Chinese central government, served as a strategic platform for South Africa to advance the South China All-Round Strategic Cooperative Partnership in the New Era. The Presidency highlighted that South Africa’s participation reinforced its role as a key gateway to Sub-Saharan Africa for trade, investment, and industrial cooperation.
During the expo, Deputy President Mashatile officially launched the South African National Pavilion, showcasing over 30 South African entities from sectors such as agro-processing, electronics, chemicals, leather, footwear, textiles, cosmetics, mining services, and the creative industries. This initiative aligns with resolutions made at the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in Beijing in 2024, underscoring South Africa’s importance as a trade partner to China.
In addition to engaging with Vice President Han Zheng of China, who expressed confidence in the South African Government and reiterated support for its G20 Presidency, Deputy President Mashatile extended an invitation to Vice President Zheng to visit South Africa. The invitation includes co-chairing the 9th South Africa-China Bi-National Commission in early 2026.
The Deputy President also met with Ren Hongbin, emphasizing the expo’s role in promoting trade, enhancing investment cooperation, fostering innovation, and encouraging learning and exchange. During his visit, he observed efforts by companies like SINOMA International Engineering, the China State Construction Engineering Corporation (CSCEC), and the Beijing Automotive International Corporation (BAIC) to explore strategic investment opportunities.
Deputy President Mashatile’s engagement with the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC), Standard Bank, and the South China Business Forum further demonstrated the commitment to strengthening Africa-China relations. He was accompanied by several South African government officials, including Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Thandi Moraka and Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition Parks Tau.