The 4th China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo (South Africa Promotion Conference) successfully held in South Africa

On May 30, the South Africa Promotion Conference for the 4th China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo was successfully held in Johannesburg, hosted by the Bank of Communications Johannesburg Branch. Representatives from the Economic and Commercial Office of the Chinese Embassy in South Africa, the Bank of Communications, the China-South Africa Economic and Trade Association, and the National Empowerment Fund (NEF) attended and delivered keynote speeches. Nearly 100 representatives from Chinese-funded enterprises in South Africa and local South African companies participated, helping to build momentum for the upcoming 4th China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo.

Wang Jidong, president of the Bank of Communications Johannesburg Branch, delivers a speech. (People's Daily Online SA/Liu Chang)

Wang Jidong, president of the Bank of Communications Johannesburg Branch, remarked that the China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo has become a "golden bridge" for practical cooperation between China and Africa, carrying new visions for China-Africa collaboration and showcasing the results of industrialization and agricultural modernization cooperation. He highlighted the branch's long-standing commitment to financial services in the region, driven by a "cross-border finance + localized service" model that provides full-cycle support to enterprises — helping Chinese companies expand overseas while also supporting the entry of quality African products into China.

Wei Dongze, secretary-general of the China-South Africa Economic and Trade Association and general manager of People's Daily Online South Africa, delivers a speech.  (People's Daily Online SA/Liu Chang)

Wei Dongze, secretary-general of the China-South Africa Economic and Trade Association and general manager of People's Daily Online South Africa, noted that the Expo embodies the principle of "extensive consultation, joint contribution, and shared benefits."

He emphasized that this promotion event not only serves as a warm-up for the June expo but also builds a bridge for information exchange between Chinese and South African enterprises. As new opportunities emerge in China-Africa cooperation, the association will continue to optimize services and build platforms to help more businesses seize opportunities and deepen their development.

Guo Ning, deputy director-general of the Hunan Provincial Department of Commerce, delivers a speech via video link.  (People's Daily Online SA/Liu Chang)

Guo Ning, deputy director-general of the Hunan Provincial Department of Commerce, delivered a video speech in which she shared that since its launch in 2019, the China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo has been held three times, with participation from all 53 African countries. Nearly 40,000 participants have attended, including more than 4,600 China-Africa enterprises. A total of 336 cooperation projects or agreements have been signed, worth $53.32 billion. "China-Africa cooperation is a current necessity and a future direction," she said. "Hunan Province will bravely shoulder the mission of pioneering China-Africa cooperation and use the Expo to link global business."

Qiu Zhongyi, economic and commercial counsellor at the Chinese Embassy in South Africa, speaks at the event.  (People's Daily Online SA/Liu Chang)

Qiu Zhongyi, economic and commercial counsellor at the Chinese Embassy in South Africa, emphasized that economic and trade relations represent a shining chapter in China-South Africa ties. Under the strategic guidance of the two heads of state, cooperation continues to develop in a healthy and sustained manner, becoming a model for China-Africa collaboration. South Africa will once again serve as the Guest Country of Honor at the 4th China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo.

He expressed hope that both countries will seize the opportunity to share development opportunities and build bridges of prosperity, injecting new vitality into their comprehensive strategic partnership.

Mziwabantu Dayimani, CEO of South Africa's National Empowerment Fund (NEF), delivers a speech.  (People's Daily Online SA/Liu Chang)

Mziwabantu Dayimani, CEO of South Africa's National Empowerment Fund (NEF), pointed out that China is one of South Africa's largest trading partners, and economic ties between the two countries have grown stronger in recent years. Chinese enterprises have played a key role in promoting South Africa's sustainable development, with cooperation spanning marine economy, infrastructure, and financial services. He affirmed the South African government's commitment to providing more support for Chinese companies operating in the country.

The 4th China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo will be held in Changsha, Hunan Province from June 12 to 15, under the theme "China-Africa Join Hands for Modernization".

Jointly hosted by the Hunan Provincial Government and China's Ministry of Commerce, this year's Expo will focus on the "10 partnership action plans," showcase achievements, gather diverse resources, and foster greater synergy to promote high-quality China-Africa economic and trade cooperation.