Pretoria, South Africa – President Cyril Ramaphosa is set to embark on a State Visit to the People’s Republic of China from September 2 to 5, 2024. The visit aims to further strengthen the economic relationship between the two countries, with China being South Africa’s largest trading partner.
In 2023, bilateral trade between South Africa and China reached a total of $34 billion, with exports from South Africa amounting to $12 billion and imports from China reaching $22 billion.
“China’s significant contribution to our investment drive has made it the largest source of foreign direct investment for South Africa,” said Chrispin Phiri, spokesperson for the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, during a press briefing in Pretoria on Monday.
Phiri added that several important agreements, including a Framework Agreement on Development Cooperation, are expected to be concluded during the State Visit. These agreements will focus on addressing the trade balance and expanding market access for South African products in China.
The President’s visit to China will also involve leading the South African delegation to the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Summit in Beijing. This summit, themed “Joining Hands to Advance Modernisation and Build a High-Level China-Africa Community with a Shared Future,” will further strengthen South Africa’s cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative, the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilisation Initiative.
Meanwhile, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola recently concluded a successful working visit to Japan, coinciding with the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) Ministerial Meeting. The Minister led the South African delegation at the meeting, which focused on realizing a sustainable future.
During his visit, Lamola witnessed Toyota’s announcement of a strategic investment of R1.2 billion in the South African automotive industry with the first consignment of South African avocados was exported to Japan.
