Beijing, February 4: South African Gauteng Provincial Executive Council member, Vuyiswa Ramokhopa, stated on Monday that investment from Chinese companies is significantly enhancing South Africa’s industrialization and the transformation of its manufacturing sector.
Recently, the Chinese equipment manufacturer Haier Group’s subsidiary, Haier Smart Home, hosted a product launch event in Johannesburg, marking its official entry into the South African market. Ramokhopa shared in an interview with the Chinese news agency Xinhua that Haier’s expansion in South Africa is one of the most significant industrial investment projects in Gauteng province in recent years, providing new momentum for local manufacturing and industrial advancement.
According to Ramokhopa, Gauteng province serves as South Africa’s economic and industrial hub, contributing approximately 55% of the country’s total GDP. Since 2014, the province has attracted substantial direct investment from China across various sectors, including communications, energy, manufacturing, logistics, and advanced industrial equipment, resulting in the creation of thousands of jobs.
She believes that Gauteng’s established manufacturing base and geographical advantages offer a vital platform for export-oriented manufacturing and regional headquarters companies. The provincial government fosters a predictable and proactive collaborative environment for enterprises through its investment promotion system, economic sectors, and the development of industrial parks.
Statistics indicate that China is South Africa’s largest trading partner, with economic and trade cooperation between the two countries continuously evolving in recent years. Ramokhopa noted that South Africa exports industrial raw materials like coal to China, while importing advanced industrial products such as machinery, electronic goods, and home appliances from China, which accelerates the modernization of South Africa’s manufacturing, logistics, and consumer sectors.
(Source: China Media Group, Beijing)