Programme Director, Ms Lin Honghong, Head of International Relations, Depart of CCPIT;
Mr Parks Tau, Honourable Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition of the Republic of South Africa;
Mr Ren Hongbin, Chairman, China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT);
Ministers and Deputy Ministers;
Charge D’Affaires, South African Embassy in Beijing;
Consul General of SA in Shanghai;
Members of the Diplomatic Corps;
Leaders and CEOs of Businesses;
Ladies and gentlemen;

Good afternoon.

It is with great pleasure and honour that I stand before you today to open the South Africa National Pavilion at the China International Supply Chain Expo.

This opening highlights a remarkable milestone in the partnership between South Africa and China and showcases the strength and diversity of South Africa's capabilities in the competitive global market.

South Africa and China maintain a strong and growing economic relationship within the global economy, characterised by increasing trade and investment, particularly since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1998.

China has become South Africa's largest trading partner, both globally and within Africa, while South Africa is a key partner for China on the African continent.

Our participation in forums such as BRICS and the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) further strengthens this relationship. South Africa acknowledges that strengthening partnerships with China in various forms is crucial for mutual benefit and global stability.

This morning, I delivered a keynote address at the opening ceremony of the China International Supply Chain (CISCE) 2025, and I am grateful to the People's Republic of China for giving South Africa an opportunity to outline its strategic objectives of strengthening trade and investment.

Less than a month ago, South Africa participated for the very first time at the China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo, in Hunan Province, China (CAETE 2025), wherein 25 South African companies participated and exhibited the finest of South African products and services at this Economic and Trade Expo.

It is also important to mention that South Africa was awarded a Country of Guest of Honour status by the government of the People's Republic of China. As a country, we welcome all opportunities for South Africa to showcase its goods and services.

Ladies and gentlemen,

South Africa plans to establish a more permanent presence in China through a permanent exhibition, ensuring that our offerings remain accessible even when our producers, manufacturers, and distributors are not physically present in the country.

The opening of the 2025 South African National Pavilion is a focused response to resolutions made at the FOCAC in Beijing in 2024. This is significant in that it demonstrates how South Africa is an important trade partner to China. 

Through this pavilion, we look forward to fostering strong collaborations, forging new partnerships, and exploring opportunities for growth and mutual prosperity. The China International Supply Chain Expo provides us with a platform to showcase our unique offerings, engage with industry leaders, and further enhance our presence in the global marketplace.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Please be informed that during the financial year 2025/2026, South Africa will also be hosting an Inward Procurement Buying Mission on the margins of the G20 Summit in November 2025, and this will be preceded by South Africa's participation at this year’s China International Import Expo (CIIE) 2025 in Shanghai, China.

South Africa's participation in these events is an opportunity provided by the Chinese government through bilateral economic relations to advance more South African value-added products of the top 100 products.

We are hopeful that South African exhibitors will make use of these opportunities to promote South African offerings and enter into significant and long-term contracts with their Chinese counterparts.

I would like to conclude my remarks by reiterating that 31 South African entities from a variety of sectors, including Agro-Processing, Electronics, Chemicals, Leather, Footwear and Textiles, Cosmetics, Mining Services, and the creative industries, are represented. 

We are delighted that Tourism South Africa is also in attendance to facilitate the visitation of our Chinese buyers and their first-hand encounters with the beauty and splendour of our country.

I am also pleased to inform you that we will conclude our visit with an Investment Roundtable that will bring together Chinese investors from various sectors who are keen on making South Africa their investment destination. We have tailor-made projects that we will profile for their consideration.

Lastly, I invite you to come with us to explore the best of South African products, and we wish you every success during the five-day exhibition event.

On this note, ladies and gentlemen.

I declare the South African National Pavilion at the 2025 CISCE OPEN!!!

Programme Director;
His Excellency, Vice Premier, He Lifeng;
Mr Ren Hongbin, Chairman, China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT);
Mr. Parks Tau, Honourable Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition of the Republic of South Africa;
Mr Ekachat Seetavorarat, Deputy Permanent Ministry of Commerce of the Kingdom of Thailand;
Ministers and Deputy Ministers;
Representatives of International Organisation;
Members of the Diplomatic Corps;
CEOs and Business Executives;
Ladies and gentlemen,

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

This high-level expo is crucial for both our nations 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.

 Despite ongoing challenges, 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.

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.

Our diverse economy and strategic location make us 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.

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. While the trade volumes confirm South Africa’s natural endowment, the heavy slant towards mineral-based exports belies our advanced infrastructure, our diversified industrial base, and our leading service sectors.  

Our inaugural participation at the China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE) 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.  

We are 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. 

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.

Esteemed delegates,

It is our firm belief that CISCE will be instrumental in linking up Chinese buyers and importers with the South African producers at the stands today. One of the most critical steps in South Africa’s journey to balancing its trade with China will be the extensive listing of South African products on e-commerce platforms like Alibaba.

We are also making efforts to ensure the placement of quality South African products in various Free Trade Zones throughout China.

These various opportunities to obtain first-hand market information and to understand the Chinese distribution channels, barriers and procedures for entering and supplying the Chinese market will crystallise our efforts to strengthen business relations between the South African companies and Chinese entities with the aim of developing long term business. 

Furthermore, South Africa's strong industrial base, advanced financial sector, and strategic location make it well-positioned to contribute to the implementation of free trade agreements, particularly the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

This area fosters economic integration, increased trade, and investment within Africa while also providing opportunities for China to deepen its engagement with the continent. For South Africa, the AfCFTA offers a chance to diversify exports, especially manufactured goods, and reduce reliance on traditional markets.

For China, it presents an opportunity to further its economic partnerships with African nations by investing in value chains and potentially becoming a key destination for African exports.

To diversify its energy balance, reduce carbon emissions, and improve energy security, South Africa is also rapidly increasing its dependence on renewable energy sources. We have set ambitious targets for renewable energy deployment, particularly in solar and wind power.

Through the Renewable Energy Masterplan, we have set out how South Africa can set up a new manufacturing industry in renewable energy and battery storage value chains. The masterplan also aims to attract at least R15 billion (US$784 million) in investment by 2030 and train “green workers” for employment in 25,000 direct jobs.

Our country also has a robust pipeline of investible projects, particularly in Special Economic Zones (SEZs) and key infrastructure. SEZs offer incentives, including tax breaks and streamlined regulations. Infrastructure projects, including those in energy, water, sanitation, and transport, are also a key focus for attracting investment and driving economic growth.

Ladies and gentlemen,

As the Chair of the G20 in 2025, we firmly believe that the establishment of enduring business relationships must occur within the framework of a fair, inclusive, and rules-based global economic order. This order should prioritise industrialisation, investment in green technologies, and digital infrastructure as key components of sustainable development, especially for developing economies.

We aim to foster mutually beneficial economic growth, create jobs, and advance sustainable development for both nations through these efforts.

These priorities are reflected in the overall CISCE programme, which closely aligns with areas of potential cooperation between South Africa and China. We therefore invite our Chinese counterparts to support and participate in the key pillars of our 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.

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. A preview of what awaits you in South Africa can be found at the South African pavilion. 

We urge all stakeholders to seize these opportunities, foster partnerships, share best practices, and collectively shape the future of supply chain management to build a more connected, resilient, and prosperous world.

I thank you - Xie Xie!

President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, Gwede Mantashe, as Acting Minister of Police with immediate effect.

Minister Mantashe will serve in this capacity until Prof Firoz Cachalia, who will retire from his position at the University of the Witwatersrand at the end of this month, assumes his position at the start of August.

Minister Mantashe will retain his responsibilities as Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources.

Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President - media@presidency.gov.za

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

The Presidency cautions South Africa against treating Democratic Alliance (DA) disinformation on matters of international relations and diplomacy as official Government policy.

The DA’s latest effort to embarrass President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Special Envoy to North America, Mr Jonas Mcebisi, involves claims - in the DA’s framing – that the United States has rejected Mr Jonas’s “credentials” and that Mr Jonas is therefore unable to perform his role as Special Envoy.

The DA seeks to add sensationalism to its claim by suggesting President Ramaphosa and Mr Jonas face a crisis in view of the United States’ pending implementation of trade tariffs announced several days ago by President Donald Trump.

The facts around this matter include the reality that Special Envoys do not present diplomatic credentials to host countries in the way designated Heads of Mission or other diplomats are.

While envoys are not required to account publicly for the work they undertake, the President’s own accounts of his performance include elements facilitated by envoys.

Mr Jonas’s outreach does not in any way supersede the leading role played by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC) and the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) in our difficult but constructive trade negotiations with the United States, or in our diplomatic relations with this longstanding partner.

Mr Jonas has, however, played an important role in working with the DTIC to develop the trade proposals in which South Africa is currently engaging the United States in good faith and with the expectation of mutually beneficial terms.

Similarly, he has been assisting DIRCO in Government’s efforts to reset diplomatic relations and all areas of cooperation between South Africa and the United States.

While these processes are underway and in view of President Ramaphosa’s telephonic contact with President Trump as well as his Working Visit to Washington in May 2025, President Ramaphosa has not had a need for Mr Jonas to visit the United States on urgent business.

The Presidency is therefore concerned about the Democratic Alliance’s persistent campaign against South Africa’s national interest and its posture of trying to embarrass and belittle our country and in this specific circumstance, Mr Jonas.

This campaign has its origins in a Democratic Alliance visit to the United States earlier this year, to advance an ideological agenda rather than our national interest.

The DA has positioned itself as part of a right-wing nexus that seeks to use a foreign state to effect changes to democratically developed national policies in our own country.

The DA is trying cheaply but dangerously to exploit a critical engagement between South Africa and the United States to protest President Ramaphosa’s removal of Mr Andrew Whitfield as Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition.

The DA’s pronouncements and insults against countries and international organisations – such as the Republic of Cuba or the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees – offends South Africa’s international relations and posture.

If the DA were to succeed in undermining South Africa relations with various nations or institutions, the party will harm the viability of businesses and livelihoods of hundreds of thousands of South Africans who work in sectors that depend on the expansion of our trade relations with the world.

Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President - media@presidency.gov.za

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria