In a move set to strengthen bilateral commerce and industrial ties, South Africa’s Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (dtic) has officially opened a new trade and investment office in Shenzhen, one of China’s fastest-growing innovation and technology hubs.
The launch marks a strategic step by South Africa to enhance its trade footprint in Asia’s largest economy while offering local exporters a gateway into China’s rapidly expanding consumer and industrial markets.
A Gateway for South African Exporters
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According to the dtic, the Shenzhen office will serve as a liaison platform for South African businesses aiming to access the southern Chinese region, providing real-time support on market entry, investment opportunities, and export promotion.
“The office will strengthen partnerships between South African exporters and Chinese investors, ensuring that our country remains an attractive and competitive trading partner,” said a dtic spokesperson at the opening ceremony.
The department highlighted that the office will focus on value-added exports such as agro-processing, textiles, leather goods, automotive parts, minerals beneficiation, and advanced manufacturing — sectors aligned with South Africa’s reindustrialisation strategy.
Why Shenzhen Matters
Shenzhen is often called the “Silicon Valley of China”, known for its vibrant innovation ecosystem and proximity to major industrial centres such as Guangzhou and Hong Kong.
“Positioning ourselves in Shenzhen gives South Africa direct access to China’s most dynamic region for innovation, technology, and investment,” said the department. “It opens the door for greater collaboration in areas like renewable energy, digital economy, and smart manufacturing.”
Deepening Bilateral Ties
China remains South Africa’s largest trading partner, with total trade exceeding R900 billion in recent years. The new Shenzhen office adds to existing dtic presences in Beijing and Shanghai, reflecting the government’s commitment to strengthen the China-Africa partnership and support South African firms in tapping into new markets.
The department also expects the new office to promote Chinese investment into South Africa’s manufacturing and infrastructure sectors — driving job creation and skills transfer.
Boost for Industrial Cooperation
Officials noted that the Shenzhen office will not only promote exports but also serve as a hub for two-way industrial cooperation, technology transfer, and innovation partnerships.
Through collaboration with Chinese trade associations and enterprises, the dtic hopes to encourage joint ventures, factory partnerships, and research exchanges that align with South Africa’s Industrial Policy Action Plan (IPAP).
The Bigger Picture
The establishment of the Shenzhen office is part of a broader effort to deepen South Africa’s participation in global value chains and secure a stronger foothold in Asia’s manufacturing and innovation landscape.
“South Africa’s presence in Shenzhen sends a clear signal that we are ready to compete globally and collaborate regionally,” said the department.
