Deputy President Paul Mashatile has arrived in China for a strategic working visit, where he is scheduled to hold a bilateral meeting with Chinese Vice President Han Zheng.

The visit, aimed at strengthening bilateral relations and enhancing economic cooperation between South Africa and China, takes place between July 14 and 18.

At the invitation of the chairperson of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade Ren Hongbin, Mashatile will participate in the China International Supply Chain Expo and officially launch the South African National Pavilion.

Acting spokesperson to the Deputy President Keith Khoza noted that this high-level participation was a significant opportunity to advance the South Africa–China partnership.

“…it also reinforces South Africa’s position as a gateway to sub-Saharan Africa for trade, investment, and industrial cooperation,” he said.

Mashatile is also expected to participate in the South Africa–China Investment Forum - “a key platform for promoting bilateral trade and investment cooperation between the two countries”, said Khoza.

Mashatile will meet with major Chinese institutions such as the China State Construction Engineering Corporation, Industrial and Commercial Bank of China in partnership with Standard Bank, the SINOMA International Engineering Company and the Beijing Automotive International Corporation.

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