By Thembi Moyo
Johannesburg 6 November 2025.Business leaders, government officials, and diplomats gathered at the Chinese Consulate General in Johannesburg for a thought-provoking seminar titled “China’s Development, Global Opportunities.” The event brought together prominent figures from South Africa’s political and economic circles to discuss new avenues for cooperation and mutual growth.
Among those in attendance were Johannesburg Speaker Margaret Arnold, Member of Parliament Tshilidzi Munyai, Gauteng DA leader Solly Msimanga, Head of the Department of Economic Development Mr. Motlatjo Moholwa, CEO of the Johannesburg Chamber of Commerce and Industry Bernadette Zeiler, and Speaker of the Gauteng Provincial Legislature Ms. Morakane Mosupyoe.
The seminar, hosted by Mr. Pan Qingjiang, the Chinese Consul General in Johannesburg, followed China’s recent Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC), where key decisions were made to shape the country’s next 15th Five-Year Plan.
In his address, Mr. Pan highlighted how China’s next development phase will continue to open opportunities for global cooperation, especially with strategic partners like South Africa. “China will open its doors even wider and turn the strengths of our supersized market into shared dividends for the world,” he said. “We hope to inject new energy into expanding trade and boosting investment between our two nations.”
He described China’s steady progress in technology, green development, and innovation, sharing that China now contributes nearly 30% of global economic growth and has become a leader in renewable energy and digital transformation.
The seminar was not only about policy and numbers but about people and shared aspirations. China has been South Africa’s largest trading partner for 16 consecutive years, while South Africa remains China’s top trading partner in Africa.
Mr. Pan emphasized how this relationship is already improving livelihoods on both sides. Ninety percent of South Africa’s pecans and half of its macadamias are now exported to China. Over 200 Chinese companies have invested more than 11 billion US dollars in South Africa, creating over 400,000 local jobs. New opportunities are emerging in agro-processing, the digital economy, manufacturing, and renewable energy. “These projects have not only enriched the food baskets of Chinese consumers,” he noted, “but also increased the incomes of South African farmers and businesses.”
Speakers from South Africa echoed similar sentiments, saying that cooperation with China should continue to prioritize inclusive growth, skills development, and sustainable industry. Johannesburg Speaker Margaret Arnold said the engagement symbolized “a growing friendship that must translate into visible change for local communities.” Bernadette Zeiler, head of the Johannesburg Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said the seminar offered valuable insights into how local businesses could tap into China’s expanding market and innovation networks. Solly Msimanga and Tshilidzi Munyai also emphasized that such dialogue was crucial for ensuring economic opportunities reach small businesses and young entrepreneurs in South Africa.
Mr. Pan reiterated that China-South Africa relations are part of a broader mission — strengthening the Global South and ensuring developing nations play a stronger role in the evolving global order. “As our countries face profound global changes, our relationship becomes even more significant,” he said. “Together, we can contribute to regional and world peace and development.”
The seminar ended on an optimistic note, with both sides reaffirming their commitment to deepen cooperation through platforms such as BRICS, FOCAC, and the Belt and Road Initiative, and to continue building a partnership that benefits not only economies, but people on both continents.
