President Cyril Ramaphosa is to embark on a state visit to the People’s Republic of China, SA’s largest trading partner, on September 5, the department of international relations &
co-operation spokesperson Chrispin Phiri says.
“The primary focus of this visit will be to fortify our economic relationship,” Phiri told a media briefing in Pretoria.
Chinese President Xi Jinping has already visited SA four times.
Phiri said China was playing a pivotal role in SA’s economy. “In 2023, our bilateral trade reached $34bn, with exports totalling $12bn and imports at $22bn. China’s substantial contribution to our investment drive has made it the largest source of foreign direct investment for SA.
“We anticipate concluding several important agreements during this state visit, including a framework agreement on development co-operation, addressing the trade imbalance, and expanding market access.”
The two countries would also seek to enhance multilateral co-operation to support global peace and security, Phiri said.
“Our relations with China are central to realising our developmental agenda and efforts to implement the National Development Plan. This visit provides an opportunity to review progress on existing trade and co-operation and to expedite and finalise new areas of collaboration.”
While in China, Ramaphosa would lead the SA delegation to the Forum on China—Africa Co-operation summit in Beijing on September 4-5.
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