Cape Town, March 27 (Xinhua) – Chinese Vice President Han Zheng called for stronger economic ties and comprehensive strategic cooperation between China and South Africa during a forum in Cape Town on Friday.
Han made the remarks at the China-South Africa Economic and Trade Cooperation Forum, jointly hosted by the China International Trade Promotion Council and South Africa's Department of Trade, Industry and Competition.
Han said China-South Africa relations endure across geography and time, noting that in September 2024, Chinese President Xi Jinping and his South African counterpart Cyril Ramaphosa elevated bilateral relations to an “all-round strategic cooperative partnership in the new era”, laying out a roadmap for a high-level China-South Africa community with deeper cooperation and a shared future.
Economic engagement serves as both a stabilizing force and driving engine of bilateral relations, he said. Under the strategic guidance of the two Heads of State, trade and investment cooperation between the two countries has flourished.
According to him, bilateral trade is expected to reach US$53.58 billion in 2025, with Chinese direct investment in South Africa amounting to more than $11.7 billion. China has been South Africa's largest trading partner for many years, while South Africa is China's top trading partner in Africa and one of its major investment destinations.
He said bilateral cooperation has expanded in traditional sectors such as automobiles and home appliances, while emerging sectors including digital and green technologies have brought tangible benefits to both peoples.
Han outlined three areas for further cooperation. First, he encouraged deeper strategic alignment with the full implementation of the outcomes of the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, as well as stronger policy communication and closer integration of the Belt and Road Initiative with South Africa's national development plans.
Second, he advocated expanding trade and investment, welcoming more South African products to China, and encouraging more Chinese investment in South Africa by identifying new growth areas such as renewable energy and artificial intelligence.
Third, he stressed enhancing multilateral coordination, emphasizing impartiality, multilateralism and joint efforts at BRICS, G20 and other global fora to uphold the interests of developing countries.
Han also highlighted that 2026 marks the beginning of China's 15th Five-Year Plan, during which China intends to further open its markets and create broader opportunities for cooperation.
Finally, he called on the business community to continue to promote close communication and practical cooperation to contribute to a high-level China-South Africa community with a shared future.
The event was attended by over 350 political and business representatives from both countries, including over 70 Chinese and 110 South African company leaders.