South Africa's Department of Trade, Industry and Competition stated in a press release on November 3 that the China International Import Expo (CIIE) provides a crucial platform for global enterprises to connect with the Chinese market and serves as an effective channel to promote high-quality South African products and services. This year, South Africa will organize 32 companies to participate in the CIIE, showcasing competitive products and services.

Minister Ebrahim Patel emphasized that the CIIE offers South African businesses significant opportunities to access global markets, particularly in Asia. Past participation has proven the expo's effectiveness as an ideal platform to introduce premium South African offerings to potential clients.

The minister noted that sending 32 exhibitors to the 8th CIIE represents a key follow-up to recent bilateral engagements. Both nations agreed to prioritize market access for 100 South African products, especially high-value-added items, into China. The South African government will support domestic enterprises through exhibition subsidies and market intelligence to expand globally.

Statistics show China has been South Africa's largest trading partner for 16 consecutive years, while South Africa remains China's top African trade partner for 15 years. According to Chinese customs data, bilateral trade reached $52.46 billion in 2024, accounting for nearly 20% of China-Africa trade volume.

South Africa participated as a guest of honor at the inaugural CIIE in November 2018 and reprised this role during the 6th edition in November 2023.