BEIJING — Deputy President Paul Mashatile’s China visit has officially wrapped up, delivering a robust agenda aimed at fortifying trade, investment, and industrial partnerships between South Africa and the world’s second-largest economy. Undertaken at the invitation of Ren Hongbin, chairperson of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT), the high-level tour reinforced the comprehensive strategic alliance shared by the two nations.
Ren warmly received the South African delegation, highlighting the importance of the country’s presence at the China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE). Accepting the invitation, Mashatile thanked the CCPIT for their hospitality and reiterated Pretoria’s dedication to expanding economic ties with Beijing.
Marking his second consecutive participation in the CISCE, the Deputy President used the platform to advocate for resilient, diversified, and sustainable global supply chains in the face of shifting global economic dynamics.
Highlighting South Africa’s appeal to foreign investors, Mashatile stated: “South Africa is an attractive investment destination, supported by sophisticated industrial capabilities, a world-class financial sector and well-established logistics infrastructure. We remain committed to reforms aimed at improving the ease of doing business, accelerating infrastructure development and strengthening industrial competitiveness.”
High-Level Bilaterals and Corporate Roadshows
Beyond the expo floor—where Mashatile explored cutting-edge innovations in green energy, digital tech, advanced manufacturing, smart mobility, agriculture, and supply chain services—he held a pivotal bilateral meeting with Han Zheng. The two leaders reviewed the strong SA-China relationship, focusing on multilateral cooperation, industrial development, and trade.
To drive direct investment back home, the Deputy President engaged with top-tier Chinese corporations, including China Communications Construction Company (CCCC), Geely Automobile, Chery Automobile, SANY Group, Green Minerals and Metals, and Beijing GeoEnviron Engineering & Technology.
Discussions with these industry giants centered on localization, skills development, renewable energy, healthcare, mineral beneficiation, automotive manufacturing, and infrastructure. Mashatile personally urged them to expand their footprint in South Africa and extended invitations to the upcoming South Africa Investment Conference.
The Beijing itinerary also featured a dedicated networking session at the South African Embassy, uniting business leaders, government officials, and investors to pitch the country as a premier investment hub.
The Shenzhen Leg: Tech and Innovation
Transitioning to the second phase of the tour, the delegation traveled to the tech hub of Shenzhen. In the Nanshan District, Mashatile headlined the China (Shenzhen Nanshan)-South Africa Economic and Trade Cooperation Exchange at the Go Global Center.
This segment featured deep-dive tours and high-level dialogues with representatives from the Communist Party of China, local government, and the private sector. Key meetings in Shenzhen included engagements with Huang Xiangyue and his team; Wang Silian, Chairman of China Everbright Environment; leadership from Shenzhen Yujiaocheng Technology (YJC Group) and Jiangsu Joylong Automobile; and Shirley Chan, Deputy Secretary General of the South Africa-China Shenzhen Chamber of Commerce.
Additionally, Mashatile toured the facilities of Mindray Bio-Medical Electronics, engaging directly with the company’s senior executives to explore healthcare innovations.
Dongguan Tour and Conclusion
On the final day, the Deputy President met with Jin Lei, the Communist Party Secretary of Shenzhen, to further align bilateral goals. He then proceeded to Dongguan for an extensive tour of the South Africa Commodity China Exhibition and Trade Centre, a vital facility designed to boost bilateral imports and exports.
Accompanied throughout the tour by the Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Zuko Godlimpi, alongside senior government delegates, Mashatile reflected on the trip’s outcomes.
Summarizing the mission’s success, he remarked: “South Africa values institutions that create practical mechanisms for expanding trade, attracting investment and facilitating business partnerships between our two republics.”
