With the successful conclusion of the Sixth China International Import Expo (CIIE), the economic and trade relations between China and South Africa have reached a new milestone. This expo was not only an international economic and trade event but also a significant moment in the history of China-South Africa cooperation.
From 1998 to 2008, during the presidencies of Nelson Mandela and Thabo Mbeki in South Africa, the two countries began to establish a strategic cooperative relationship. Today, China has become South Africa's largest trading partner. In 2021, the bilateral trade volume reached 544 billion Rand, highlighting the close and robust economic relations between the two nations.
At this CIIE, China accorded South Africa the status of a guest of honor, the second time South Africa has received this honor in six years, demonstrating China's commitment to deepening relations with South Africa. Notably, Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasized in his congratulatory letter at the opening ceremony China's commitment to expanding openness and promoting inclusive globalization, setting the tone for the expo.
Themed "New Era, Shared Future," the expo was attended by 154 countries, regions, and international organizations. Among them, 72 countries showcased their strengths in the national pavilions. The exhibition attracted 3,486 companies from 128 countries and regions, highlighting the growing international influence of the CIIE.
China Dream Investment Company played a bridging role in promoting China-South Africa economic and trade cooperation. As one of the responsible entities, we undertook most of the exhibition, transportation, and translation services. Over the past five years, regardless of the pandemic's changes, we have consistently promoted mutual understanding and cooperation between Chinese and South African enterprises. This time, we facilitated the participation of 39 South African SMEs in the import expo, covering an exhibition area of over 450 square meters, including both national and corporate pavilions.
The South African government also sent a high-level delegation led by the Deputy President, including deputy ministers from the Departments of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Industry, and Agriculture. This visit not only strengthened government-level exchanges between the two countries but also created more opportunities for business cooperation.
In addition to the exhibition itself, the CIIE hosted 122 supporting events, ranging from policy interpretation to investment promotion, fully demonstrating the diverse influence of the CIIE. Cultural exchanges and performances between China and foreign countries added dimensions to the expo, making this edition surpass its predecessors in scale and diversity.
In summary, the Sixth China International Import Expo achieved significant economic accomplishments and deepened cultural and political exchanges between China and South Africa. As a country that has been the guest of honor twice, South Africa's in-depth cooperation with China undoubtedly lays a solid foundation for the future bilateral relationship.
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