Deputy Minister Thandi Moraka Strengthens Trade Relations in Beijing
On 6 December 2024, South Africa’s Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Thandi Moraka, held a significant meeting with Mr. Zhang Shaogang, Vice Chairman of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT), in Beijing, China. The discussions underscored South Africa’s commitment to fostering economic partnerships with China and its broader implications for Africa.
The CCPIT is a pivotal organization in China, established in 1952, tasked with promoting international trade and economic cooperation. It serves as a bridge between Chinese enterprises and the global market, fostering mutual investments, trade fairs, and legal advisory services for businesses. By supporting Chinese enterprises’ international ventures and facilitating foreign businesses’ access to China’s markets, the CCPIT plays a vital role in global trade dynamics.
For South Africa, engagement with the CCPIT offers significant opportunities to expand trade and investment relations with one of the world’s largest economies.
As part of the meeting, Deputy Minister Moraka emphasized the importance of strengthening trade ties that align with South Africa’s industrialization and economic growth goals. She highlighted South Africa’s strategic position as a gateway to the African continent, making it a natural partner for China’s ambitions under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
The meeting also holds promise for Africa as a whole. China’s deepening economic involvement in Africa, facilitated by organizations like the CCPIT, aligns with the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) commitments. This includes investments in infrastructure, manufacturing, and technology transfer—critical sectors for the continent’s sustainable development. South Africa’s proactive diplomacy ensures it plays a central role in shaping the trajectory of Africa-China relations.
As the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) gains momentum, collaborations with institutions like the CCPIT can further bolster intra-African trade and position the continent as a competitive global trade partner. Strengthened ties with China could lead to increased exports of African goods, job creation, and knowledge-sharing initiatives that benefit local economies.
Deputy Minister Moraka’s visit demonstrates South Africa’s commitment to leveraging its diplomatic engagements to promote economic opportunities and solidify its role as a leader in Africa-China relations. As discussions with CCPIT continue, South Africa’s businesses, particularly in agriculture, mining, and renewable energy, stand to benefit from enhanced market access and investment inflows.
