PRETORIA — Deputy President Paul Mashatile has officially concluded his strategic China visit, wrapping up a comprehensive tour designed to accelerate trade, attract foreign investment, and deepen industrial cooperation between South Africa and Beijing. The high-level diplomatic mission, undertaken at the invitation of Ren Hongbin, chairperson of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT), successfully reinforced the comprehensive strategic partnership shared by the two nations.
During the trip, Ren Hongbin formally welcomed Mashatile and his delegation, highlighting the critical role of South Africa’s involvement in the China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE). In response, the Deputy President thanked the CCPIT for their hospitality and the successful hosting of the expo, while reiterating Pretoria’s unwavering dedication to expanding bilateral economic ties. The discussions heavily prioritized unlocking new avenues for market access, broadening business participation, and maximizing collaborative opportunities across various investment platforms.
Marking his second consecutive appearance at the CISCE, Mashatile used the global platform to stress the urgent need for resilient, diversified, and sustainable global supply chains in an era of shifting economic realities. While addressing the expo attendees, he positioned South Africa as a premier hub for foreign capital.
“South Africa is an attractive investment destination, supported by sophisticated industrial capabilities, a world-class financial sector and well-established logistics infrastructure,” Mashatile stated. “We remain committed to reforms aimed at improving the ease of doing business, accelerating infrastructure development and strengthening industrial competitiveness.”
Expo Tours and High-Level Diplomacy
Beyond his keynote address, the Deputy President walked the exhibition floor to examine cutting-edge innovations in smart mobility, green energy, digital technologies, agriculture, advanced manufacturing, and supply chain logistics.
On the diplomatic front, he held a crucial bilateral meeting with Han Zheng. The two leaders celebrated the robust ties between their countries and mapped out closer collaboration in multilateral forums, industrial development, trade, and investment.
Targeting Corporate Investment
A core objective of the trip was to secure direct foreign investment. To this end, Mashatile held targeted engagements with several Chinese corporate heavyweights, including SANY Group, Geely Automobile, Chery Automobile, China Communications Construction Company (CCCC), Green Minerals and Metals, and Beijing GeoEnviron Engineering & Technology.
These boardroom discussions zeroed in on sectors vital to South Africa’s growth: automotive manufacturing, infrastructure development, mineral beneficiation, renewable energy, healthcare, environmental management, advanced manufacturing, skills transfer, and localisation. Mashatile actively pitched the country’s investment climate to these firms, extending formal invitations to the upcoming South Africa Investment Conference.
To further cultivate these economic relationships, the Deputy President also attended a dedicated South Africa Networking Session at the South African Embassy in Beijing. The event served as a convergence point for government representatives, business leaders, and investment stakeholders, all gathered to promote the country as a top-tier investment destination.
The Shenzhen Leg: Innovation and Technology
The second phase of the working visit shifted to the technological powerhouse of Shenzhen, specifically the Nanshan District. There, Mashatile took part in the China (Shenzhen Nanshan)-South Africa Economic and Trade Cooperation Exchange, hosted at the Go Global Center. The itinerary featured guided facility tours and high-level dialogues with stakeholders from the business sector, local government, and the Communist Party of China.
Key bilateral meetings in Shenzhen included discussions with Huang Xiangyue and his delegation, as well as Wang Silian, Chairman of China Everbright Environment. Mashatile also met with leadership from Jiangsu Joylong Automobile, Shenzhen Yujiaocheng Technology (YJC Group), and the South Africa-China Shenzhen Chamber of Commerce, represented by Deputy Secretary General Shirley Chan. Additionally, he toured the facilities of Mindray Bio-Medical Electronics, engaging directly with the company’s senior leadership.
Final Engagements and Conclusion
On the concluding day of the tour, the Deputy President held a bilateral meeting with Jin Lei, the Communist Party Secretary of Shenzhen, before traveling to Dongguan. In Dongguan, he toured the South Africa Commodity China Exhibition and Trade Centre, a vital commercial hub designed to facilitate bilateral imports and exports.
Reflecting on the overarching goals of the trip, Mashatile noted, “South Africa values institutions that create practical mechanisms for expanding trade, attracting investment and facilitating business partnerships between our two republics.”
Throughout the extensive working visit, Deputy President Mashatile was supported by the Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Zuko Godlimpi, alongside a contingent of senior government officials.