A new trade agreement between local business leaders and a Chinese delegation aims to bolster the Tshwane metro’s economy toward its 3.9% five-year growth target.

The Tshwane Pretoria Chamber of Commerce and Industry (TPCCI) and the Sichuan Federation of Industry and Commerce signed the co-operation agreement on September 22 at the CSIR International Convention Centre.

The agreement was signed by TPCCI managing director Nathi Njoko and Sichuan Federation of Industry and Commerce CPC Leading Party Group secretary and executive vice-chairperson Jing Lin.

The ceremony brought together representatives from government, business and investment organisations in Tshwane as well as members of a delegation from Sichuan, China, with discussions focusing on areas where businesses from the two regions could establish partnerships and develop commercial opportunities.

Lin said Sichuan as a province is well known in China and internationally for its work involving panda conservation, with extensive research undertaken to protect the animals from becoming a threatened species.

He said that although his visit to South Africa and the Tshwane metro had been brief, he and the investors accompanying him had already developed a positive impression of the country. He said there were several sectors in which Sichuan could collaborate with South Africa and the metro.

Among the areas identified was lithium-based technology. Lin indicated that lithium-related technologies such as battery manufacturing could provide an opportunity for co-operation between businesses and institutions in South Africa and Sichuan.

He also referred to Sichuan’s business interests in the photo vault industry and its regional cluster of software development companies and independent creators. These businesses include companies involved in developing and exporting mobile privacy applications.

Food and beverages were another sector highlighted during the meeting. Sichuan has a significant food and beverage industry, representing an important part of its economic and commercial activities and connecting the province with markets influenced by Chinese culinary products.

Infrastructure development also emerged as an area of common interest. Lin said the delegation had listened with interest to information about informal settlements in Pretoria.

“Infrastructure construction is one of the strengths of our economy and we can leverage this as collaboration,” said Lin.

Tshwane targets 80 000 new jobs

The event was opened by Economic Development and Spatial Planning MMC Sarah Mabotsa, who said the Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality had set a target for the economy to grow by 3.9% over the following five years, with the objective of adding 80 000 jobs for residents.

Mabotsa said the agreement represented an opportunity to develop new partnerships with Sichuan in shared key sectors.

“Today is part of that opportunity for growth as we believe we do have a few touchpoints like both having an interest in the automotive industry and looking to open opportunities in logistics.”

Njoko introduced members of the Tshwane business fraternity to investors who accompanied the Sichuan delegation. The presentations provided the Chinese delegation with an overview of products, services and capabilities available among local businesses in Tshwane.

The Tshwane businesses represented a range of industries. These included baby food products, automotive industry solutions, agri-processing involving mushroom-related products, innovative condiments such as chakalaka, pharmaceutical products for obesity and diabetes, healthcare internet applications and logistics products such as bulk fuel supplies to industries.

Global partners bolster BRICS economic ties

South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Advocate Mtho Xulu also addressed the meeting, providing an overview of new directions for co-operation, trade and commerce between BRICS countries and China.

Xulu described the engagement with Sichuan as extending beyond a relationship between Tshwane and the Chinese province, saying it involved international partners working together.

“This is not only a Tshwane collaboration but an international collaboration between global partners to strengthen ties in manufacturing, AI technologies and innovation-led growth. This is a tangible relationship for BRICS.”

The meeting was co-hosted by the Tshwane Economic Development Agency, whose acting CEO, Paseka Rakosa, explained the agency’s role to the Sichuan business representatives.

Rakosa said the agency’s purpose was to assist investors by opening doors and connecting them with relevant institutions and businesses. He said the agency had established a matchmaking mechanism designed to connect businesses with international investors.

He also referred to InvestSA, a platform intended to provide investors with information needed to establish businesses and operate within South Africa’s regulatory environment.

“It is like a one-stop shop where investors can obtain information on compliance with South African laws and where they can find all information without being sent from pillar to post.”

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