Deputy President Paul Mashatile will embark on a week-long working visit to the People’s Republic of China from 20 to 26 June 2026, aimed at strengthening economic cooperation, trade relations and investment opportunities between South Africa and China.
The visit will see Mashatile participate in the 4th China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE) in Beijing, one of the world’s premier platforms dedicated to promoting global supply chain cooperation and international trade partnerships.
CISCE is the first national-level exhibition in the world focused exclusively on global supply chains. The event is hosted by the Chinese government and organised by the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT).
The Deputy President’s visit follows an invitation from CCPIT Chairman Ren Hongbin and is expected to build on the growing strategic partnership between South Africa and China.
According to government, the working visit forms part of South Africa’s broader economic diplomacy efforts and will focus on enhancing political cooperation, industrial investment, trade facilitation and economic collaboration between the two countries.
The trip comes just months after the successful 9th South Africa-China Bi-National Commission (BNC), which was held in Cape Town in March 2026. The commission was co-chaired by Deputy President Mashatile and Chinese Vice President Han Zheng and reaffirmed both countries’ commitment to deepening bilateral relations.
Government said the visit will provide an opportunity to advance discussions and agreements reached during the BNC while exploring new areas of cooperation that can contribute to economic growth, industrial development and job creation in South Africa.
In addition to attending the supply chain expo in Beijing, Mashatile will travel to Shenzhen in Guangdong Province, where he is scheduled to hold high-level meetings with selected Chinese investors and business leaders.
These engagements are expected to showcase South Africa as an attractive investment destination and encourage further Chinese investment in key sectors of the economy.
China remains one of South Africa’s largest trading partners, with cooperation spanning infrastructure development, manufacturing, technology, energy, agriculture and skills development.
The Deputy President will be accompanied by Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition Zuko Godlimpi, along with senior government officials.
The South African government hopes the visit will further strengthen economic ties between the two nations and unlock new opportunities for trade, investment and sustainable development that can benefit communities and businesses across the country.
