On June 26, 2024, a significant Beijing-South Africa Business Cooperation Promotion Conference was held in Johannesburg, attended by Ambassador Wu Peng, Liu Wei, Deputy Secretary of the Beijing Municipal Committee of the CPC, and Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi.

Ambassador Wu highlighted the deep-rooted friendship between China and South Africa, recalling President Xi Jinping's successful state visit last August. He noted that bilateral economic and trade cooperation has flourished, with over 200 Chinese companies in South Africa contributing significantly to tax revenue and creating more than 400,000 jobs. The conference aimed to further enhance economic and trade relations between Beijing and Gauteng Province.

Deputy Secretary Liu Wei emphasized that Beijing's trade with South Africa reached $8.9 billion last year, accounting for nearly one-fifth of Beijing's trade with Africa. He outlined broad cooperation opportunities in the digital economy, modern agriculture, biomedicine, cultural tourism, green energy, and finance. Liu expressed hopes for strengthening mutually beneficial cooperation and promoting high-quality Belt and Road projects.

Premier Lesufi underscored the importance of China's enduring friendship with South Africa, regardless of political changes. He stressed the need for cooperation in combating crime, improving public security, increasing infrastructure investment, and enhancing energy cooperation. Lesufi called on the Chinese government to assist in tackling crime using advanced technology and expertise.

The conference resulted in several agreements, including partnerships between Invest SA Gauteng, the Gauteng Growth and Development Agency (GGDA), and the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade Beijing Sub-council. Following the conference, Ambassador Wu and Deputy Secretary Liu attended the launch ceremony of Beiqi Foton light trucks entering the South African market.

Lesufi emphasized that businesses can only thrive if crime is eradicated in the province. He highlighted the need for investment in infrastructure and energy, stating that new infrastructure and buildings are essential for attracting investment. The Premier also called for collaboration in the transport sector to address energy challenges.

China remains a key investment partner for South Africa. In 2023, Beijing imported $8.9 billion worth of goods from South Africa and continues to drive investment across various industries. The GGDA's Group Executive for Trade Investment and Regulatory Enablement, Sipho Marala, discussed the impact of foreign direct investment on different parts of Gauteng, emphasizing that the country's development and innovation efforts should benefit its people.

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