Deputy President Paul Mashatile, who is on a strategic Working Visit to the People’s Republic of China, has addressed the China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE) opening ceremony in Beijing.

The tour of China started on Monday and is scheduled to continue until Friday. 

Mashatile is accompanied by a delegation that includes Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Thandi Moraka; Minister of Small Business Development, Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams; Minister of Tourism, Patricia de Lille; Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Parks Tau; Minister of Water and Sanitation, Pemmy Majodina, and Minister of Agriculture, John Steenhuisen.

In its third year, CISCE is the world’s first national-level expo dedicated to global supply chains. It is hosted under the auspices of the Chinese Central Government and the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT).

“It is my honour to address you today at the opening ceremony of the third China International Supply Chain Expo, a prestigious event that showcases the latest developments in supply chain management,” said Mashatile.

He said the high-level expo is crucial for both South Africa and China because it promotes trade, investment, cooperation, innovation, and learning within the global supply chain ecosystem.

“South Africa is committed to strengthening global supply chains and fostering resilience in the face of challenges. In today’s rapidly changing world, the global supply chain landscape is facing unprecedented challenges, from natural disasters to political upheavals,” said Mashatile.

During his address, Mashatile acknowledged Chinese Vice Premier, He Lifeng; China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) chairman, Ren Hongbin, Chairman; Deputy Permanent Ministry of Commerce of the Kingdom of Thailand, Ekachat Seetavorarat; and multiple CEOs and business executives.

Despite ongoing challenges, Mashatile said South Africa’s supply chain sector is experiencing growth, driven by increased e-commerce activity and technological advancements.

“Our business communities have been resilient and adapting through strategies like diversifying suppliers, holding more inventory, and investing in digital transformation,” he said.

“As government, we have also adopted policies and strategies that are conducive for business to strive. We understand the importance of building robust supply chains that can withstand disruptions and ensure the efficient flow of goods and services.”

The deputy president said South Africa’s diverse economy and strategic location make it a natural gateway for trade and investment, connecting Africa to the rest of the world.

“As we gather here in China, a key partner in our economic journey, I see great opportunities for collaboration and mutual growth. Together, we can leverage our strengths and capabilities to further build supply chains that are not only efficient and cost-effective but also sustainable and resilient,” he said.

“The fact that China and South Africa have a strong desire to diversify and expand trade between Africa and China is crucial to our efforts to create a solid supply chain.”

South Africa’s export portfolio to China comprises mainly basic commodities. Mashatile said while the trade volumes confirm South Africa’s natural endowment, the heavy slant towards mineral-based exports fails to give a true impression of South Africa’s advanced infrastructure, its diversified industrial base, and leading service sectors.

“Our inaugural participation at the China International Supply Chain Expo provides the opportunity to showcase this diversity. Once again, let me reiterate our gratitude for the facilitation and the courtesies extended to the South African official and business delegation,” said Mashatile.

The deputy president’s delegation was accompanied by 30 manufacturers and producers of uniquely South African products and services. 

“These products and services showcase the diversity of South African exports, ranging from ethically sourced and clean cosmetics comprising pure natural extracts as well as durable electro-technical equipment that has passed the tests of extreme African climate conditions,” said Mashatile.

“Naturally, our offering would not be complete without companies that are showcasing the finest of South African clothing, leather, and footwear. 

“We are exceptionally proud of the delegation that comprises plastics, chemical and mining engineering firms whose services have met the Chinese standards such that they have been able to jointly complete infrastructure projects with Chinese firms,” he said.

It is believed that the CISCE will be instrumental in linking up Chinese buyers and importers with the South African producers at the stands during the expo.

South Africa has invited its Chinese counterparts to support and participate in the key pillars of Pretoria’s G20 agenda by investing in green industrial projects, renewable energy, digital infrastructure, and regional manufacturing initiatives in South Africa and across the African continent.

“Through such collaboration, we can deepen our strategic partnership and ensure that the outcomes of South Africa’s G20 presidency reflect the shared aspirations of the Global South,” said Mashatile.

“Against this backdrop, we also look forward to hosting Chinese and other international buyers, importers and distributors in a tailored procurement mission that we will arrange on the margins of the G20 Summit in November 2025,” he said.

For more than a decade, China has been South Africa’s largest trading partner. This position has been held by China since 2008, when it surpassed the United States. China is also South Africa’s largest trading partner in Africa, with bilateral trade between the two countries accounting for a significant portion of China’s total trade with the continent.

jonisayi.maromo@iol.co.za

IOL News  

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