Latest news with #WuPeng
IOL News
13-07-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Turning declarations into deliverables: South Africa's BRICS 2025 Challenge
For South Africa, the BRICS 2030 horizon offers not just hope, but a promising future, writes Ayanda Holo. Image: IOL / AI By Ayanda Holo Beneath the glittering chandeliers of the Bank of China building in Johannesburg, Chinese Ambassador Wu Peng addressed a gathering of investors, policymakers, and technocrats. At his side sat South Africa's Deputy Finance Minister Dr David Masondo, a key architect of the government's economic recovery and structural reform agenda. The occasion marked the release of the Chinese Investor Survey, a moment that revealed not only the depth of Sino-South African relations but also the lingering bottlenecks that continue to hinder what could be a transformative partnership. Ambassador Wu's tone was both celebratory and cautionary. Over 200 Chinese enterprises have injected more than $11 billion into South Africa, creating jobs, taxes, and valuable industrialisation footprints. Yet, despite this progress, the Ambassador pointedly highlighted recurring frustrations: the slow and sometimes opaque processing of work visas for essential engineers and managers and the heightened security threats to Chinese nationals. These issues, he suggested, could jeopardise investor confidence unless addressed with urgency and sincerity. At the heart of his speech was a subtle but potent reference to Declaration 42 of the BRICS 2025 Strategy, which states: "We welcome the results of the Strategy for BRICS Economic Partnership 2025… and look forward to the conclusion and implementation of the Strategy for BRICS Economic Partnership 2030, which will… guide cooperation on issues relating to the Multilateral Trading System, Digital Economy, International Trade, Financial Cooperation and Sustainable Development." This strategy is not just a document, but a roadmap to our future. This forward-looking blueprint aims to deepen the ties that bind BRICS nations, with South Africa poised to benefit as a regional gateway for Asia–Africa trade. But such ambitions rest precariously on domestic execution. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading The Visa Conundrum: When Policy Fails Practice A compelling case in point emerged from a significant $200 million investment project in the Eastern Cape, a region with great potential for economic growth. The project procured high-grade industrial equipment from Yangzhou Metal Forming Machine Tool Co. The firm dispatched three highly skilled engineers to oversee installation and training. Despite submitting complete documentation to VFS Global, including verified invitation letters from their South African host, the engineers were denied work visas for several months. This delay was not only an administrative embarrassment but also a tangible blow to investor confidence. The engineers were essential to commissioning a production line that was central to the project's ROI timeline. The months-long delay undermined the "open the way" vision of Operation Vulindlela, a flagship reform programme by the South African Presidency and Treasury designed to reduce red tape for investors. Is Operation Vulindlela truly living up to its name? According to a recent SA Government News release dated March 2025, the Department of Home Affairs has introduced improvements to fast-track visa applications for investors and critical skills workers. A new "Trusted Employer Scheme" was also piloted with large multinationals and BRICS-partner firms in mind. Yet the Eastern Cape incident underscores a gap between policy and implementation, a chasm where projects stall, costs rise, and goodwill wanes. From Zero-Tariffs to Zero-Tolerance on Inefficiency China's recent announcement to provide zero-tariff treatment to 53 African countries via the Framework Agreement on Economic Partnership for Shared Development is a tectonic shift in global trade patterns. It gives African manufacturers and agricultural producers unprecedented access to the world's second-largest economy. And South Africa, with its mature logistics, industrial base, and financial institutions, is uniquely positioned to lead this integration. But it must not allow procedural inertia to squander strategic advantages. This is particularly critical in sectors like automotive components, green energy infrastructure, and advanced manufacturing, where Chinese investment has surged. Each of these sectors requires the temporary importation of technical personnel, often on tight deadlines to transfer knowledge and integrate systems. Ambassador Wu's call for smoother visa processes is therefore not a favour to China, but a necessary step if South Africa is serious about its BRICS role. It's not just about accommodating Chinese investors, but about creating an environment where all BRICS nations can thrive, boosting South Africa's economy and global influence. A Catalogue of Cooperation It is worth reminding readers of the many bilateral and multilateral agreements that underpin this evolving relationship. These include: The China-South Africa Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Agreement (2010).The FOCAC Beijing Action Plan 2019–2025 The Belt and Road MOU, signed in 2015, focuses on infrastructure Investment Treaties and Double Taxation Agreements, protecting investor rights The Annual SA-China High-Level People-to-People Exchange Mechanism, encouraging cultural, academic, and tech innovation links. Each of these frameworks, including the 2025 BRICS Economic Strategy, calls for the removal of administrative and logistical barriers that impede the flow of capital, of people, of ideas. What Must Change? If Pretoria is to maintain credibility within BRICS and its reform agenda, several actions are urgent: Mandate real-time escalation channels for work visa cases tied to investment projects over R50 and enforce the Trusted Employer Scheme beyond pilot status. Include a BRICS Investor Fast Lane under the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC).Publish quarterly Operation Vulindlela scorecards, with measurable impact on investor facilitation. As Ambassador Wu concluded, "Challenges are part of development." But challenges left unaddressed become liabilities. For South Africa, the BRICS 2030 horizon offers not just hope, but a promising future. Whether that promise becomes reality depends not on declarations from abroad, but on decisions made at home. * Ayanda Holo is the President of TV BRICS AFRICA ** The views expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of IOL or Independent Media.
The Citizen
27-06-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
Chinese ambassador urges SA youth to seize tariff-free trade opportunities
Wu Peng encouraged young South Africans to engage in trade, study and skills development under China's new initiatives. Chinese ambassador to South Africa Wu Peng has challenged the country's youth to use the opportunities arising from China's tariff-free trade initiative offered to all African countries. Speaking during the 'China-South Africa Youth Exchange Night', Wu said China and SA have now established a comprehensive strategic partnership for a new era. Youth exchanges Over 200 Chinese companies were 'active, investing, hiring and building in the country', he said. Wu also raised the significance of youth exchange between South Africa and China, including studying, training and exploring business opportunities. 'Young people are the future and hope of a nation. China has always believed in the power of youth and we support exchange and learning between young people from China and the Global South,' Wu said. ALSO READ: China's clever trade deal with Africa – removal of tariffs on most goods Shared 'values' While South Africa's philosophy of Ubuntu emphasised compassion and shared humanity, China believed in harmony, community, and helping one another. 'These values bring our two countries close,' he said. Other speakers included Deputy Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities Mmapaseka Letsike and special economic advisor to Deputy President Paul Mashatile, Gadija Brown. The audience also watched a Chinese film, Ordinary Hero, based on a true story, about a group of young people coming together to save a child's life, emphasising the significance of Chinese teamwork, care and kindness. NOW READ: Western media bias: how imperial narratives shape global perceptions
IOL News
24-06-2025
- Business
- IOL News
South African youth explore China to challenge misconceptions
Chinese Ambassador to South Africa, Wu Peng, expressed his wish for more young South Africans to explore study and work opportunities in China. This was during the China-South Africa Youth Exchange event in Pretoria. Image: Oupa Mokoena/ Independent Newspapers South African young people have been motivated to take a leap of faith and visit China firsthand to dispel common misconceptions about the country often reported in the media. This transpired during the China-South Africa Youth Exchange event at the Fairtree Atterbury Theatre in Pretoria, where local young people networked with their Chinese peers over dinner. In attendance were the ANC youth league and South African Student Congress and other organisations as well as young diplomats from the Chinese embassy. Chinese Ambassador to South Africa, Wu Peng, expressed his desire to see more young people from South Africa travelling to China for study and work opportunities. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ The event's purpose, he said, was to bridge the gap between South African and Chinese youth, encouraging more local young people to visit China, gain a deeper understanding of the country, and return with open minds and hearts. 'Young people are the future and hope of the nation. China has always believed in the power of youth and we support exchanges of learning between China and young people from the global South, including South Africa,' he said. He noted that his government has provided scholarships to many South African students who have travelled to China to study over the years. Michael Mayalo, one of the students, was celebrated at the event for his book "China Through My Eyes", which was launched to coincide with the occasion. Wu said the book shares Mayalo's personal story, detailing what he saw and experienced during his time in China. 'This book is a beautiful example of connections of understanding between China and South Africa. I hope it will inspire more young South Africans to go to China to study, travel or work and see the real China for yourselves,' he said. Young author Michael Mayalo described his debut book "China Through My Eyes" as a personal masterpiece during its launch at the China-South Africa Youth Exchange event in Pretoria. Image: Oupa Mokoena/ Independent Newspapers He added that the second key aspect is capacity building, noting that young people worldwide are keen on learning and securing jobs. In China, the manufacturing sector is fundamental, and the country prioritises initiatives like digital development, transformation, and vocational training to equip youth with innovative skills, he said. One of the highlights of the event was the screening of a Chinese film called Ordinary Hero which is based on a true story about young people coming together to save a child's life. Wu said China has been South Africa's largest trading partner for 16 years and that South Africa is China's largest trading partner in Africa, with over 200 Chinese companies actively operating in the country. Mayalo described "China Through My Eyes" as a personal masterpiece, detailing his experiences as a student in China, marked by cultural awakening and a profound discovery of shared humanity. 'The book is just not a project, it is a reflection of a deeply personal journey,' he said. He said studying in China had a profound impact on him, transforming him intellectually, spiritually, and socially. 'As I saw a country rooted in ancient wisdom yet moving boldly towards a future, I engaged with fellow students who were curious-driven and proud of their heritage. I experienced traditions that stretched back 1,000 of years but also a conversation that felt impeccably modern at that moment,' he said. He said the book invites fellow Africans and South Africans to look beyond the headlines, sharing that before heading to China, he felt exasperated by the misinformation published about the country. Deputy Minister Mmapaseka Steve Letsike of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities sent a supportive message via video link, describing the book as a story of courage, discovery, and global citizenship, written from the lived experience of a visionary young person. 'Michael's journey from South Africa to Peking University in China reflects what is possible when young people dare to dream across borders. His reflection challenges us to build between cultures, continents and communities and to see the world not through a lens of defence but through a lens of connection. This book arrives during a powerful time in our shared history as Africa and China continue to deepen diplomatic and educational and economic ties. It is young people who must lead the way in shaping a more inclusive and cooperative future,' she said.
News24
22-06-2025
- Business
- News24
China's new trade offer looks generous. But SA must learn from the past
Chinese authorities may lower import tariffs for various goods from African countries. But SA needs to draw appropriate lessons from experience, says Wandile Sihlobo. South Africa's agricultural export focus means the country must always keep an open eye for any potential new market expansion. One country that has consistently been on our radar is China. The country's dominance in global agricultural imports, stable economy, large population, and current low penetration by South Africa's agriculture make it an ideal area for expansion. However, the nonexistence of a preferential trade agreement in agricultural products has disadvantaged South Africa relative to its competitors, such as Australia, Peru, and Chile, among others, which access the Chinese market at a tariff-free rate or with low tariffs. It is against this backdrop that we found the official announcement by the Chinese authorities that they would consider lowering import tariffs for various goods from African countries encouraging. While no official details have been released yet, we view the message as consistent with what the official representatives of the People's Republic of China have been communicating, particularly regarding agriculture. For example, in April, Wu Peng, current Chinese Ambassador to South Africa, stated that '…China and South Africa need to strengthen our bilateral trade and economic cooperation. Chinese government welcomes more South African agricultural and industrial products to enter the huge Chinese market.' China's signalling the willingness to absorb more South African agricultural products is only the first step in what will likely be a long journey, as trade matters generally take time. Ideally, the following steps should be a clear and pragmatic plan for reducing import tariffs and removing phytosanitary barriers that certain agricultural products continue to encounter in the Chinese market. Indeed, the work must be led by South Africa's Department of Trade, Industry, and Competition, as well as the Department of Agriculture, and at specific points, also the Department of International Relations and Cooperation. This will help ensure that China proceeds beyond statements to actual business collaboration. South Africa remains a small share in the Chinese list of agricultural suppliers, at about 0.4%. However, this current access in China is vital for the wool and red meat industry. China accounts for roughly 70% of South Africa's wool exports. There is a progressive increase in red meat exports, even though animal diseases currently cause glitches. The focus should be on expanding this access by lowering duties and other non-tariff barriers to encourage more fruit, grain, and other product exports to China. Still, it is essential to emphasise that the focus on China is not at the expense of existing agricultural export markets and relationships. Instead, China offers an opportunity to continue with export diversification. As we stated recently, the Trade Map data show that China is among the world's leading agricultural importers, accounting for 9% of global agricultural imports in 2024 (before 2024, China had been a leading importer for many years). The US was the world's leading agricultural importer in the same year, accounting for 10% of global imports. Germany accounted for 7%, followed by the UK (4%), the Netherlands (4%), France (4%), Italy (3%), Japan (3%), Belgium (3%) and Canada (2%). It is this diversity of agricultural demand in global markets that convinces us that South Africa's agricultural trade interests cannot be limited to one country but should be spread across all major agricultural importers. Importantly, the approach of promoting diversity and maintaining access to various regions has been a key component of South Africa's agricultural trade policy since the dawn of democracy. For example, in 2024, South Africa exported a record $13.7 billion of agricultural products, up 3% from the previous year. These exports were spread across the diverse regions. The African continent accounted for the lion's share of South Africa's agricultural exports, with a 44% share of the total value. As a collective, Asia and the Middle East were the second-largest agricultural markets, accounting for 21% of the share of overall farm exports. The EU was South Africa's third-largest agricultural market, accounting for a 19% share of the market. The Americas region accounted for 6% of South Africa's agricultural exports in 2024. The rest of the world, including the United Kingdom, accounted for 10% of the exports. In a nutshell, China's signalling the willingness to lower import tariffs is a welcome development. However, it will only become more substantial once more information becomes available. From a South African side, the relevant government departments should consider, through the local Embassy, sending an enquiry about unlocking this process. Ultimately, China is one of the focus areas in South Africa's long-term agricultural export diversification strategy, and any opportunity to further this plan should be pursued vigorously. Importantly, while China's offer looks generous, a country like South Africa needs to draw appropriate lessons from experience. Unilateral duty-free, quota-free market access is a double-edged sword: in the short to medium term, they can help a country increase the share of its exports in a significant market, but since these are not anchored in reciprocity, the largesse can disappear if there are frictions between the two parties, for example, over geopolitics. In short, non-reciprocal arrangements can lead to dependence and can easily be exploited by the benefactor as a means of political leverage to achieve strategic ends. While South Africa—and indeed African countries—should take advantage of this opportunity, we must aim to conclude a bilateral trade agreement with China that guarantees predictability and certainty and is durable. Wandile Sihlobo is chief economist of the Agricultural Business Chamber of South Africa (Agbiz).
The Star
13-06-2025
- Politics
- The Star
China, South Africa mark Int'l Day for Dialogue among Civilizations
JOHANNESBURG, June 13 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese Embassy in South Africa held an event on Thursday in Pretoria, the country's administrative capital, to mark the first International Day for Dialogue among Civilizations. The United Nations General Assembly in June 2024 adopted a China-sponsored resolution declaring June 10 as the International Day for Dialogue among Civilizations. Chinese Ambassador to South Africa Wu Peng said that the initiative comes at a time when the world is grappling with turbulence and transformation. The observance aims to promote mutual learning, solidarity, and solutions to global challenges, he noted. As a firm advocate of civilization dialogue, China has consistently translated its vision into concrete actions, said Wu. For instance, the Chinese language has been included in South Africa's education system and Chinese universities have established degree programs in indigenous African languages. "As the initiating country of the resolution on the International Day for Dialogue among Civilizations, China stands ready to work with South Africa and the international community to foster inclusive coexistence and mutual learning among civilizations, and jointly compose a new chapter for building a community with a shared future for mankind," Wu said. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, a member of the African National Congress (ANC)'s National Executive Committee, said South Africa, with its unique struggle against apartheid and its commitment to peaceful transition, is a prime example of civilizations in dialogue. Dlamini-Zuma said South Africa and China have a long history of ensuring and pursuing peace. "As we move faster into a multipolar world, the international community must welcome this initiative by China to ensure dialogue among civilizations and peoples," she added. "Dialogue is a central feature of the foreign policy of South Africa and China. It reflects our shared commitment to diplomacy as the primary means of resolving conflicts," said Busani Ngcaweni, director-general of the National School of Government. Ngcaweni said the call for dialogue and the co-existence of civilizations offers a powerful path towards silencing the guns and achieving sustainable development for all. The event gathered around 50 participants, including representatives from government departments, the ANC, the South African Communist Party, think tanks, and foreign diplomatic missions in South Africa.
