South Africa and China have signed a comprehensive framework agreement aimed at deepening trade and investment relations between the two countries. The China-Africa Economic Partnership Agreement (CAEPA) was signed today in Beijing by South Africa’s Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Parks Tau, and China’s Minister of Commerce, Wang Wentao.
The agreement covers trade and investment cooperation, as well as multilateral cooperation and collaboration in the field of new energy. Under CAEPA, a wider range of South African products is expected to gain duty-free access to the Chinese market, while Chinese companies are encouraged to expand their investments in South Africa. It was also emphasized that the agreement has been designed to include safeguard mechanisms to protect South Africa’s industrial capacity and strategic sectors.
Following the signing of the framework agreement, the two sides plan to conclude negotiations on an “Early Harvest Agreement” by the end of March 2026. This phase is expected to deliver tangible short-term gains in trade and accelerate the implementation of bilateral cooperation.
As part of the agreement, China will send an inward buying mission to South Africa, and South Africa is expected to participate in the 9th China International Import Expo, to be held in Shanghai in November. In addition, a dedicated steel investment event is planned to promote investment opportunities in South Africa’s steel sector.
Minister Parks Tau noted that the deepening relationship with China is creating new opportunities in industry-driven sectors such as mining, agriculture, renewable energy, technology and steel. Officials also highlighted that investments by Chinese automotive companies are playing an important role in supporting local industry, adding that these developments are expected to make bilateral trade and investment ties more balanced and sustainable.
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