Deputy President Mashatile to Lead High-Level Delegation to China for Strategic Economic Engagement

Sunday, 13 July 2025

Pretoria – Deputy President Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile will embark on a strategic Working Visit to the People’s Republic of China from 14 to 18 July 2025, where he is set to participate in the prestigious China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE). The visit marks a significant moment in South Africa’s foreign and economic policy as it seeks to strengthen trade ties and industrial cooperation with one of its most important global partners.

Now in its third year, CISCE stands as the world’s first national-level exposition dedicated solely to global supply chains. Hosted under the auspices of the Chinese Central Government and the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT), the event brings together government leaders, industry captains, and innovators to shape the future of interconnected trade networks.

This year, South Africa has been honoured with Guest Country status. Under the theme “South Africa: Your Pathway to Supply Chain Resilience,” the Deputy President will spearhead a series of engagements designed to deepen bilateral ties and position South Africa as a gateway to Sub-Saharan Africa for Chinese investors and manufacturers.

The South African delegation’s focus will centre on:

Promoting strategic sectors including renewable energy, logistics, pharmaceuticals, mineral beneficiation, and the digital economy;

Showcasing a robust pipeline of investable projects, especially those located in Special Economic Zones (SEZs) and aligned with the country’s infrastructure priorities;

Enhancing cooperation in clean technology, digital skills development, and industrial standards;

Driving forward the national agenda on supply chain resilience, accelerated industrialisation, and continental integration under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

In addition to participating in CISCE, Deputy President Mashatile will engage in a dedicated bilateral programme guided by the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) and the Ten-Year Strategic Programme of Cooperation (2020–2029) between South Africa and China. Special emphasis will be placed on Chapter Two of the agreement, which focuses on mutually beneficial economic cooperation and trade.

“This visit is a pivotal step in South Africa’s evolving strategic trajectory with China,” said a spokesperson from the Presidency. “It reaffirms our commitment to deepening cooperation that supports inclusive economic growth, innovation, and sustainable development.”

Accompanying the Deputy President will be a ministerial delegation that reflects South Africa’s cross-cutting economic priorities:

Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ms Thandi Moraka;

Minister of Small Business Development, Ms Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams;

Minister of Tourism, Ms Patricia de Lille;

Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Mr Parks Tau;

Minister of Water and Sanitation, Ms Pemmy Majodina;

Minister of Agriculture, Mr John Steenhuisen.

As South Africa intensifies efforts to position itself as a resilient and investment-ready economy, this visit signals a strong message of readiness to engage with global partners in redefining supply chains, fostering technological advancement, and promoting shared prosperity.