The Gauteng Growth and Development Agency (GGDA), in partnership with Brand South Africa, the City of Johannesburg (CoJ) Department of Economic Development and Landpack, hosted a Business-to-Business (B2B) Matchmaking Session with a business delegation from Beijing, China, this week.
Held at the InvestSA Gauteng offices in Sandton, the engagement brought together South African and Chinese business leaders to explore collaboration opportunities, strengthen commercial partnerships, and unlock new avenues for trade and investment between Gauteng and China. The session formed part of an ongoing programme to position Johannesburg and Gauteng as preferred investment destinations while creating opportunities for local businesses to access international markets.
Representing Landpack, Daniel Ding said the delegation, organised by the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) Beijing Sub-council, aims to foster meaningful business relationships between companies in Beijing and Johannesburg.
“Today’s engagement is about bringing businesses from Beijing and Johannesburg together to network, exchange ideas and explore opportunities for collaboration. We are hopeful that the discussions taking place today will lead to mutually beneficial partnerships,” said Ding.
He said the delegation had attended the Southern African Transport Conference (SATC) on Monday, where members engaged with transport sector stakeholders and explored opportunities to introduce innovative transport technologies into the South African market while also learning from local innovations.
COJ’s Deputy Director for Trade and Investment Promotion, Amukelani Kubayi, said the B2B matchmaking session formed part of the City’s ongoing efforts to position Johannesburg as Africa’s premier investment destination while strengthening strategic partnerships with China.
“Through this engagement, we showcased Johannesburg’s unique investment value proposition as Africa’s economic powerhouse, home to the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, and a leading financial and corporate hub. We highlighted investment opportunities across key sectors, including automotive components, electronics, electric vehicle manufacturing, the digital economy, innovation and the green economy, while inviting investors to partner with the City in addressing critical infrastructure priorities such as water, energy and roads, which are essential for unlocking sustainable economic growth,” said Kubayi.
Kubayi said the City also presented a range of investment facilitation services available through the Trade and Investment Promotion Directorate, including the Fast-Tracking Committee, which assists investors in resolving regulatory bottlenecks and accelerating strategic investment projects.
She added that Johannesburg’s strategic location as a gateway to the Southern African Development Community (SADC) market, together with opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), makes the city an attractive destination for international investors seeking access to regional and continental markets.
Kubayi also highlighted the City’s upcoming trade promotion activities, including participation in the Food and Hospitality China 2026 trade exhibition in Shanghai later this year, as well as the City’s continued focus on investor aftercare and investment retention to ensure long-term business success.
Brand South Africa’s Stakeholder Relations Manager, Tshepiso Malele, said the visit reflects the growing importance of economic cooperation between South Africa and China.
“This visit provides an opportunity for Chinese businesses to better understand South Africa’s investment landscape while allowing us to showcase the country’s strengths as an attractive destination for trade and investment. At the same time, it creates opportunities for South African exporters to strengthen access to the Chinese market,” he said.
Malele noted that while investment decisions require time, engagements such as the B2B session lay the foundation for future partnerships and commercial agreements.
He further highlighted the recently announced zero-tariff policy introduced by China, which provides qualifying African exporters with duty-free access to the Chinese market.
“The zero-tariff policy presents a significant opportunity for South African businesses looking to expand into China. The CCPIT South Africa Office will host information seminars to help businesses understand and take advantage of these opportunities, while Brand South Africa, GGDA and our partners will continue facilitating engagements between South African businesses and future Chinese delegations.”
The City of Johannesburg remains committed to strengthening international partnerships that support inclusive economic growth, attract investment, promote exports and create sustainable employment opportunities for residents.
SUPPLIED.
