South Africa will send a delegation of 32 businesses to participate in the 8th China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai from 5 to 10 November, the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition confirmed on Monday.
The annual event provides a global stage for international firms to engage with Chinese importers and buyers, offering an opportunity to demonstrate product capabilities and explore new partnerships. Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition Parks Tau highlighted the expo as a strategic avenue for expanding South African exporters’ global footprint through targeted support and market access.
Tau emphasised that previous participation had yielded positive results, affirming the value of the expo in promoting South African goods and services to new customers. The minister noted that the initiative aligns with broader export objectives, including enhancing market intelligence, providing financial backing and supporting companies in penetrating high-growth markets. China has been South Africa’s largest trading partner for 16 consecutive years, while South Africa has been China’s top African trade partner for 15 years, with bilateral trade reaching 52.46 billion US dollars in 2024 and representing nearly 20 percent of China-Africa trade.