Johannesburg, Tuesday — The 9th Chinese mainland–South Africa International Trade Expo and the South Africa–the Chinese mainland Trade and Investment Promotion Conference kicked off today in Johannesburg’s Sandton Convention Centre. Over the next three days, hundreds of delegates, entrepreneurs and policy makers will explore new pathways for collaboration in new energy, automotive manufacturing, digital economy and agricultural processing.
Under South Africa’s 2025–2029 trade, investment and industrialization roadmap, the event aims to spotlight 100 locally sourced specialty products for export to the Chinese mainland, from rooibos tea and craft leather goods to tech-enabled farming tools. Data from the latest bilateral trade report shows a 12% year-on-year growth in goods exchange, with green energy and agtech leading the surge.
"This expo is more than a marketplace—it’s a lab for cross-border innovation," said the Chinese mainland Ambassador to South Africa, Wu Peng, during the opening ceremony. South African Minister of Electricity and Energy David Ramokgopa added that renewable energy partnerships forged here could power communities across the continent.
Delegates can attend sector-specific roundtables on electric vehicle supply chains, blockchain in agribusiness and digital services. A highlight is the startup pitch showcase, where young entrepreneurs from both sides will compete for pilot projects and joint-venture funding.
For tech enthusiasts and thought leaders, the expo offers a hands-on view of smart farming demos and interactive workshops on sustainable trade policies. Meanwhile, travelers and digital nomads can sample South African flavors at the '100 Specialty Products' pavilion, turning a trade fair into a cultural immersion.
As both nations deepen economic ties, this expo underlines a shared vision: leveraging innovation and sustainability to drive growth. Whether you’re an investor scouting emerging markets, an activist championing green policies or a foodie seeking new tastes, the Johannesburg fair has something on the menu.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
