Pretoria: Deputy President Paul Mashatile has called on China to work with South Africa to expand e-commerce channels, digital trade platforms, and market-entry programmes that can help South African businesses access new opportunities.
According to South African Government News Agency, Mashatile emphasized the importance of expanding market access for South African exporters and strengthening the participation of South African companies in digital commerce platforms and integrated supply chains. His remarks were made in Shenzhen during a visit to the South Africa Commodity China Exhibition and Trade Center (SACC), a platform created for enterprises from South Africa and China to explore trade and investment cooperation.
The Deputy President is on a Working Visit to the People's Republic of China to advance cooperation between the two nations in areas of mutual interest. China remains South Africa's largest trading partner and one of its most important sources of investment, technology, and industrial collaboration.
Mashatile highlighted the South Africa Commodity China Exhibition and Trade Center as a strategic platform capable of supporting broader cooperation in investment promotion, manufacturing partnerships, industrial development, and value-added trade. He noted that the Centre's focus on cross-border e-commerce and digital trade presents significant opportunities for South African Small and Medium-sized Enterprises and exporters seeking direct access to Chinese consumers and business partners.
During his visit, he underscored South Africa's diverse portfolio of products and industries that align with the growing demand in China, including critical minerals, agricultural products, premium wines, fresh produce, seafood, jewellery, and advanced manufacturing products.
Mashatile praised the SACC for its role in expanding trade, attracting investment, and facilitating business partnerships. He described the Centre as a comprehensive economic cooperation hub that promotes two-way trade, industrial collaboration, and market integration between China and South Africa. He welcomed the investment in a permanent South Africa National Pavilion as a sign of confidence in South Africa's economic potential.
Additionally, Mashatile encouraged the SACC and affiliated companies to collaborate with InvestSA and utilize the One Stop Shop facility. This facility assists investors with the administrative processes involved in establishing a business in the country, acting as a single point of contact for regulatory matters, registration, permits, and licensing.
The Deputy President concluded by stating that platforms like the SACC could play a key role in opening new export channels, strengthening industrial cooperation, and positioning more South African products in the Chinese market.