Johannesburg: Deputy President Paul Mashatile has arrived in the People's Republic of China for a working visit, accompanied by Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition Zuko Godlimpi and senior government officials.
According to South African Government News Agency, the visit aims to build on the outcomes of the South Africa-China Bi-National Commission held in Cape Town in March 2026. The event was co-chaired by Deputy President Mashatile and Vice President Han Zheng of China, focusing on advancing cooperation in areas of mutual interest between the two nations.
During his stay, Deputy President Mashatile will attend the Fourth China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE) at the invitation of Ren Hongbin, Chairman of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT). This marks his second participation in the event, following his involvement in the Third CISCE in July 2025, where he worked to strengthen the South Africa-China All-Round Strategic Cooperative Partnership and reinforce South Africa's role as a gateway to Sub-Saharan Africa.
The Deputy President is also scheduled to engage in a bilateral meeting with Vice President Han Zheng of China. The discussions will focus on enhancing economic ties, with plans to meet leading Chinese companies to discuss infrastructure development, advanced manufacturing, technology innovation, industrialisation, and sustainable economic growth.
From June 25 to 26, 2026, Deputy President Mashatile will visit Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, to advance the outcomes of the 2024 Shenzhen Presidential Business Forum. His engagements with business leaders in Shenzhen are aimed at fostering sustainable partnerships with Chinese private and state-linked enterprises.