Address by Deputy President Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile on the occasion of the China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE), Shunyii Exhibition Centre, Beijing

Chairman of the CCPIT, Mr Ren Hongbin;
Chinese Leaders, here present;
Secretary-General of the International Chamber of Commerce, Mr John Denton;
Chairman of CITIC Group, Mr Hua Xiguo;
Honourable Ministers and Deputy Ministers here Present;
Leaders of Industry and Commerce;
Distinguished Guests;

Good Morning, 

I am honoured to address this distinguished gathering at the China International Supply Chain Expo at a time when global supply chains, trade patterns and industrial cooperation are undergoing profound transformation.

On behalf of the Government and people of the Republic of South Africa, I extend our sincere appreciation to the Government of the People's Republic of China and the CCPIT for the gracious invitation to participate in this year's Expo.

Our presence here today reflects South Africa's unwavering commitment to deepening our comprehensive economic partnership with China, aimed at advancing trade, investment, and long-term industrial cooperation.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

We meet at a defining moment in the global economy. Geopolitical shifts, technological advancements, climate imperatives, and changing patterns of production are reshaping the architecture of global commerce. At the same time, countries and businesses are seeking greater resilience, diversification, decarbonisation and sustainability within global supply chains.

In this context, the China International Supply Chain Expo serves as an important platform to strengthen partnerships, rebuild confidence in global trade systems and promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth.

South Africa and China enjoy a deep and enduring Comprehensive Strategic Partnership founded on mutual respect, solidarity, and a shared vision for development. Our cooperation continues to expand through strong trade and investment ties, as well as through platforms such as BRICS, the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation and other multilateral engagements.

As we navigate this evolving global landscape, South Africa offers a compelling value proposition within international supply chains.

First, 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, through the use of Artificial Intelligence (Al).

Second, South Africa is a reliable source of high-value products and critical inputs required for modern industries and the global energy transition. We are endowed with significant mineral resources, including platinum group metals, manganese, and chromium, while also offering world-class agricultural products, advanced manufacturing capabilities and growing strengths in services and digital trade.

A key objective of our engagement in Beijing is to expand the range and value of South African exports entering the Chinese market and to shift our trade relationship increasingly towards value-added manufactured goods.

Third, South Africa serves as a gateway to the African continent. Through the African Continental Free Trade Area, investors located in South Africa gain access to a market of more than 1.3 billion people. This presents significant opportunities for regional value chain development and industrial expansion across Africa.

We invite Chinese and international partners to work with us in positioning Africa not merely as a consumer market, but as a competitive production base, a sourcing destination, and an important node within global supply chains.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

An important pillar of our engagement is the implementation of the Framework Agreement on Economic Partnership for Shared Prosperity, or CADEPA, signed earlier this year by our respective trade ministers.

Its implementation is complemented by the zero-tariff preference scheme that came into effect on 1 May 2026, allowing qualifying South African exports to enter the Chinese market duty-free.

South Africa is therefore positioning itself as a reliable supply base for critical inputs, a destination for industrial beneficiation and an ideal partner for co-production. 

We see significant opportunities for collaboration in three priority areas:

Firstly, agriculture and food systems. South Africa produces high-quality citrus, avocados, stone fruits, wines, and macadamia nuts, which now benefit from zero customs duties under the CADEPA framework. We encourage Chinese importers and distributors to establish long-term sourcing partnerships with South African producers.

Secondly, critical minerals and the green economy. South Africa possesses substantial reserves of platinum group metals and other strategic minerals required for fuel cells, renewable energy technologies, and energy storage solutions. We invite Chinese enterprises to explore opportunities for joint ventures, local beneficiation, and downstream manufacturing in South Africa.

Thirdly, advanced manufacturing, logistics and automotive value chains. South Africa's industrial base offers attractive opportunities for component manufacturing, machinery production and export-oriented partnerships serving both domestic and African markets.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

As we shape the future of global supply chains, we must ensure that our partnerships remain inclusive and sustainable. Economic cooperation should contribute to job creation, skills development, industrial growth, environmental sustainability, and deliver tangible benefits for our people.

South Africa reaffirms its commitment to strengthening economic cooperation with China. We are determined to position our country as both a preferred destination for investment and a reliable source of value within global supply chains.

We are confident that this Expo will contribute to a new phase of practical cooperation, deeper industrial integration, and shared prosperity for all people.

I thank you, Xièxie.