The Minister of Trade and Industry, Dr Rob Davies will lead a delegation of sixty-eight companies to the South African Expos 2012 taking place in Beijing and Shanghai, China from 22 to 26 October 2012.
The Expos are an initiative that seeks to expand the basket of export products into China, and change the current structure of trade to comprise more value-added products over the long term.
Minister Davies says the Expos that were hosted in Beijing and Shanghai in 2011 were an initiative that was intended to facilitate the shift from commodity exports to value-added, as well as to mobilise interest in infrastructure related investment.
“South Africa and China signed the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Agreement (CSPA) in August 2010, prioritising the improvement of the structure of trade between the two countries, in particular by working towards a more balanced trade profile and encouraging trade in manufactured value-added products,” said Davies.
He also said that China was also committed to encourage its enterprises to increase investment in South Africa’s manufacturing industry and promote the creation of value-adding activities in close proximity to the source of raw materials.
“The South African Expos which took place last year, generated on the spot export sales of value-added products worth R8 million and estimated future export sales over the medium term (next three years) of about R400 million,” added Davies
South Africa has identified the Top 10 Export Sectors/Products and Investment Projects that will be prioritised in South Africa’s engagements with China.
The expos programme will comprise of exhibition, investment seminar and business to business meetings. The investment seminar will focus on beneficiation, renewable energy and manufacturing. Projects at the investment seminar will be showcased from the various provinces, which have been submitted by the Provincial Investment Promotion Agencies.
South Africa’s exports to China have reached an all-time high in 2011, valued at R85 billion rand, displaying a 45% increase in exports from 2010.
A Memorandum of Understanding between the Department of Trade and Industry and the International Brand Management Centre pertaining to the promotion of South African products in China will be concluded during the visit. It is envisaged that this particular initiative will substantially enhance the trade relationship between China and South Africa.
Enquiries:
Sidwell Medupe, Departmental Spokesperson
Tel: 012 394 1650
Cell: 079 492 1774
E-mail: MSMedupe@thedti.gov.za
Minister Davies to lead a business delegation to the South African Expos in China
