In a year where global trade dynamics continue to shift, South Africa is stepping up its international engagement.
Deputy President Paul Mashatile is gearing up for a working visit to China, where he’ll be leading a high-powered government delegation to a major global trade expo.
The visit kicks off on Monday and is more than just a diplomatic courtesy—it’s a strategic mission aimed at deepening economic ties and attracting vital investment.
A Packed Delegation With a Purpose
Mashatile won’t be traveling alone. He’ll be joined by an influential group of ministers, including:
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Thandi Moraka (Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation)
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Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams (Minister of Small Business Development)
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Patricia de Lille (Tourism Minister)
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Parks Tau (Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition)
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Pemmy Majodina (Minister of Water and Sanitation)
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John Steenhuisen (Minister of Agriculture)
Their destination? The China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE)—a major event hosted by the Chinese central government and the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade.
Why This Visit Matters
Now in its third year, CISCE has earned the title of the world’s first national-level expo focused exclusively on global supply chains.
For South Africa, participating at this level signals intent—not just to show up, but to position itself as a serious gateway for trade into Sub-Saharan Africa.
South Africa has even been granted Guest Country status at the event, and it’s going under the banner: “South Africa: Your Pathway to Supply Chain Resilience.”
What’s on the Agenda?
According to the Presidency, the visit isn’t just about shaking hands and taking photos.
The team is heading to China with clear goals, including:
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Promoting key sectors like renewable energy, pharmaceuticals, logistics, and the digital economy
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Showcasing investment-ready projects, especially within Special Economic Zones and major infrastructure developments
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Boosting cooperation on clean energy technology, digital skills training, and industrial standards
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Strengthening South Africa’s trade position within the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) framework
Deepening Strategic Ties
Alongside the expo, the trip includes a tailored bilateral programme designed to support the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) and the Ten-Year Strategic Programme of Cooperation (2020–2029) that China and South Africa have committed to.
A strong focus will be placed on Chapter Two of that programme—covering mutual economic cooperation and trade.
The goal? To create more room for collaboration in sectors that can boost inclusive growth, job creation, and long-term development in both countries.
Building Long-Term Partnerships, Not Just Photo Ops
According to the Presidency, this visit isn’t just another diplomatic checkbox.
It reflects a growing strategic partnership between China and South Africa, especially as both nations explore inclusive economic growth, sustainability, and deeper trade integration.
It’s a move that aligns with South Africa’s broader ambitions to speed up industrialisation and make its economy more resilient to global shocks—something more critical now than ever before.