COMMERCIAL DIPLOMACY
3rd SAIIE & SACETCC Officially Opens at Sandton Convention Centre
20 September 2024
Johannesburg, South Africa – September 19, 2024 – The much-anticipated 3rd South Africa International Industrial Expo (SAIIE) opened its doors today, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony marking the start of a 3-day expo showcasing industrial innovation and facilitating global trade partnerships, towards economic growth.
On the back of FOCAC, this year ’s event also sees the formation of new partnerships at the South Africa-China Economic and Trade Co-operation Conference being held on, Friday 20 September 2024, with the signing of an MoU between China Council for the Promotion of International Trade Jinan Sub-Council and the Johannesburg Chamber of Commerce and Industry of South Africa, with the announcement of official support by the Gauteng Department of Economic Development (GDED) and the International Trade Administration Commission of South Africa (ITAC).
“We are thrilled to once again host this crucial event which combines industrial
innovation solutions and international trade cooperation. This is not just an expo to sell products, it’s a platform of engagement to formulate investment opportunities and
partnerships under the SA-China trade co-operation, all designed to drive business growth, ensuring a win-win for both South African and Chinese businesses.”
~ Mr. Fa Wenyan, CEO of Golden Bridge Expo South Africa
The expo opening ceremony was attended by industry leaders, government officials, and key stakeholders, and some distinguished guests:
• Mr. Thalukanyo Nangammbi, International Trade Administration Commission of South Africa
• Ms. Georgina Gantana, Department of Agriculture, Land Reform, & Rural Development
• Mr. Zhang Tiejun, China Council for the Promotion of International Trade Jinan Sub-Council
• Mr. Fa Wenyan, Golden Bridge Expo South Africa
• Mr. Vernon Fawell, RYAGRI PTY LTD
The Conference and MoU signing will be attended by VIP stakeholders giving speeches and presentations:
• Deputy Minister Pinky Kekana, Keynote address
• Mr. Zhang TieJun, China Council for the Promotion of International Trade Jinan Sub-Council
• Mrs. Bernadette Zeller CEO of Johannesburg Chamber of Commerce
• Mr. Donovan Mitchell, Import &Export Control Manager, ITAC
The presence of all these stakeholders coming together, to deliver on the FOCAC
agreements in fostering increased bilateral trade and enhancing mutually-beneficial
economic growth between South Africa and China , underscores the significance of the event.
With over 200 Chinese and Southern African manufacturers showcasing their latest innovations and technological solutions across sectors such as agricultural
machinery, auto parts, CNC machinery, industrial equipment, renewable energy, and construction, the expo promises to be a pivotal event for Southern Africa's
industrial landscape development.
Supporting Township Economy and Local Enterprises
A highlight of the expo is the Exhibition + Warehouse Model, offering township
businesses year-round access to international suppliers through an established
warehouse in Midrand. This initiative, aimed at empowering township entrepreneurs and local businesses, is already receiving significant attention on the first day, with many visitors exploring ways to integrate cutting-edge technologies into their
operations.
Enhance Africa-China Partnership (FOCAC)
This year’s 3rd South Africa International Industrial Expo & South Africa-China
Economic and Trade Co-operation Conference holds particular significance as it
coincides with the broader objectives of the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Summit, which took place earlier this month in Beijing. During the summit, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and Chinese President Xi Jinping reaffirmed their commitment to deepening economic ties and enhancing cooperation in sectors like technology, infrastructure, and green energy. The expo serves as a tangible
delivery of this strategic partnership, fostering real-time opportunities for South African and Chinese businesses to collaborate, invest, and drive mutual economic growth.
As both nations aim to strengthen their trade relations under the Belt and Road
Initiative (BRI), this expo becomes a crucial platform for advancing the summit’s goals, enhancing industrial innovation, and unlocking new avenues for regional development
.
Economic Growth and Strategic Partnership
The expo aligns with South Africa's Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan
(ERRP), contributing to the long-term growth of key sectors like manufacturing, energy, and agriculture. The strong ties between South Africa and China, emphasized during the recent Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, provide a solid foundation for continued collaboration and development.
With over 10,000 professionals and industrial practitioners expected to visit today, this Expo is projected to generate over $120 million in potential business turnover and
collaboration, poised to be a key driver of industrial and economic progress in Southern Africa.
The opening day’s success has set the stage for a productive and transformative expo, with attendees eagerly awaiting the upcoming conferences, demonstrations, and
networking sessions over the next two days.
Supporting Partners:
The success of the expo is made by a broad coalition of organizations, including:
• Gauteng Department of Economic Development (GDED)
• Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
• International Trade Administration Commission of South Africa (ITAC)
• Small Enterprise Development Agency (SEDA)
• University of Johannesburg
• Gauteng Growth and Development Agency (GGDA)
• The Western Cape Tourism, Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (Wesgro)
• China-Africa Business Council
• South African Institute of Electrical Engineers (SAIEE)
• ECASA - Electrical Contractors Association (South Africa)
• OR TamboSEZ
• The Platinum Incubator
• Department of Commerce of Shandong Province
• Department of Commerce of Henan Province
• China Council for the Promotion of International Trade Jinan Sub-Council
• Youth Business Chamber
• Africa Young Entrepreneurs South Africa
• Randburg Chamber of Commerce & Industry
• Mpileng Group
• Hyundai South Africa
• Youth Chamber of Commerce and Industry West Rand
• AFS Interculture South Africa
• Standard Bank
• Thembisile Hani Local Municipality
• Constitutional Hill Incubation Centre
• Lepharo Incubation Centre
• NETWORKING SELF-HELP COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION (Lesotho)
• Handwax Industries
• Shandong Cross-Border E-Commerce Association
