Deputy President Paul Mashatile has reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to expanding its strategic partnership with China, highlighting investment, healthcare innovation, industrial development and technology cooperation as key priorities during his working visit to Beijing and Shenzhen.
Meeting with representatives of Mindray Bio-Medical Electronics in Shenzhen, Mashatile said the visit reflects Pretoria’s determination to strengthen one of its most important international relationships while creating new opportunities for long-term economic growth.
China remains South Africa’s largest trading partner and a major source of foreign investment, technology and industrial collaboration. According to Mashatile, the relationship continues to play an important role in supporting South Africa’s economic development agenda.
Rather than focusing solely on attracting capital, the Deputy President said government is seeking partnerships that promote industrialisation, technology transfer, localisation, skills development and sustainable employment.
“China remains South Africa’s largest trading partner and one of our most important sources of investment, technology and industrial collaboration,” Mashatile said.
Healthcare Identified As A Key Area For Future Cooperation
Healthcare emerged as one of the central themes of Mashatile’s discussions during the visit.
South Africa is accelerating efforts to modernise its healthcare system through expanded digital services, improved infrastructure and broader access to quality medical care. Government believes collaboration with Chinese companies can help achieve these objectives while strengthening local healthcare capacity.
Mashatile identified several priority areas where cooperation could be expanded, including smart hospitals, telemedicine, digital healthcare systems, advanced diagnostic equipment, medical imaging technology, healthcare information management and workforce training.
He also highlighted opportunities in medical technology manufacturing, research partnerships, innovation, technology transfer and the growing use of artificial intelligence in healthcare delivery.
According to the Deputy President, these initiatives support South Africa’s broader objective of achieving universal healthcare coverage while improving healthcare outcomes for both urban and rural communities.
South Africa Positions Itself As Africa’s Investment Gateway
Beyond healthcare, Mashatile promoted South Africa as a strategic base for companies seeking to expand across the African continent.
He said the country’s developed infrastructure, financial sector and manufacturing capacity, together with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), provide investors with access to one of the world’s fastest-growing regional markets.
Government believes businesses establishing operations in South Africa will be well positioned to supply healthcare products and services throughout Africa while benefiting from regional trade integration.
Mashatile reiterated that government remains committed to creating a stable investment climate through policy certainty, investment facilitation and closer public-private partnerships.
He said accelerating project implementation and supporting long-term investors remain priorities as South Africa works to attract high-value industries capable of driving economic growth and creating skilled employment.
The visit forms part of ongoing efforts to deepen bilateral cooperation between Pretoria and Beijing, with both countries continuing to expand collaboration in trade, manufacturing, technology, healthcare and industrial development.
Source: South African Government / Office of the Deputy President.