Thiru Naidoo, senior trade manager for Middle East and Asia of the Western Cape Tourism, Trade, and Investment Promotion Agency (WESGRO),expressed optimism about the China International Import Expo (CIIE) as a platform for connecting exporters with potential buyers and investors, especially in Asia. South Africa is one of the five guest countries of honour at the upcoming 6th CIIE, marking a significant return to offline participationpost-COVID-19.

WESGRO has a history of participating in the annual event. This year, they plan to support ten Western Cape exporters, primarily in the food and beverage sector, including teas, wines, and seafood.

This comes on the back of a Western Cape government-funded museum to promote Chinese manufacturer Hisense, which was announced on Tuesday.

Naidoo emphasized the significance of B2B matchmaking platforms like CIIE for Western Cape exporters trying to enter the Chinese market. China is the Western Cape's 6th largest export market, with 2022exports exceeding 103 billion rand, showing year-on-year growth of 6.28percent.

Western Cape, a significant agricultural export province in South Africa, sees China's growing demand for quality products as an opportunity, with Western Cape wines making a mark in the global market. Additionally, Western Cape's recognition as a Foot-and-Mouth Disease-free region by China's authorities in August has opened the door for beef exports.

Naidoo pointed out the province's potential for Chinese investment, particularly in green energy and green manufactured products. Western Cape has positioned itself as an attractive destination for China's outward foreign direct investment in Africa, with numerous Chinese delegations visiting to explore trade and investment opportunities.

Naidoo sees these opportunities as catalysts for increasing manufacturing output, exports, and stimulating new sectors for innovation in the province.

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