Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Alexandra Abrahams, has called for stronger trade and investment partnerships between South Africa and China, describing cooperation between the countries as an opportunity to unlock growth, expand value-added exports and create jobs.
This approach is aligned with the Government of National Unity’s apex priority of driving economic growth and job creation, with an emphasis on leveraging international partnerships to deepen industrial capacity and expand market access for South African firms.
This includes ongoing efforts to secure duty-free access for South African exports to China. These engagements are expected to be concluded soon, following the signing last month of the Framework Agreement of the China-Africa Economic Partnership Agreement, which marks a new phase of economic cooperation.
Abrahams was speaking at the opening ceremony of the South Africa-China Economic and Trade Cooperation Forum in Cape Town, on the back of the two nations’ 9th Bi-National Commission (BNC).
The BNC was led by South Africa’s Deputy President Paul Mashatile and co-chaired with his Chinese counterpart, Vice-President HAN Zheng.
Abrahams said the CAEPA agreement would strengthen linkages between trade and investment cooperation.
“The investment that we seek in infrastructure, manufacturing, renewable energy and mineral-beneficiation projects will be characterised by more efficient approvals, rule certainty and better policy support for projects by both countries,” she said.
Abrahams added that the new agreement would also shift the structure of trade away from mineral commodities into value-added products across a number of sectors between the two countries.
“We wish to conclude the negotiations very soon as this will provide duty-free access for South African exports and encourage more Chinese investment into South Africa. Once this is done and the necessary customs processes are finalised, duty-free access to China will become a practical reality.”
Abrahams said the department had already identified 100 value-added products that South Africa could supply competitively to China.
“China has expedited market access for a number of products that include dairy products and greasy wool, among others. We … believe a number of Chinese companies in the delegation are keen to understand the available projects that are rife for take-up,” she said.
The Economic and Trade Forum serves as a platform for enterprises from South Africa and China to explore trade and investment cooperation opportunities.
“Forums such as these are important because they connect decision-makers, businesses and investors in a way that turns policy alignment into practical outcomes. That is how we build trust, unlock investment, support innovation and translate international cooperation into shared prosperity,” Abrahams said.
