On 23 September 2025, the Chinese Embassy in South Africa and the South African Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC) jointly hosted the South Africa-China Trade and Investment Promotion Conference and Opening Ceremony of the 9th China-South Africa Trade Fair at Gallagher Convention Centre in Johannesburg. Some 600 representatives from companies, business associations and government departments of both countries attended the event.

Ambassador Wu Peng stated in his address that this conference is a concrete action to implement the consensus on trade and investment reached by the two Heads of State, a concrete action to support South Africa’s goal of achieving industrialization and export diversification, and a concrete action in building a high-level China–South Africa community with a shared future. China is ready to negotiate and sign the Agreements on China-Africa Economic Partnership for Shared Development to implement the zero-tariff treatment for 100% tariff lines for 53 African countries which have diplomatic relations with China. Ambassador Wu expressed hope that South Africa would seize this opportunity to join at an early date, further deepening bilateral cooperation and delivering benefits for both peoples.

Zuko Godlimpi, Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition of South Africa, remarked in his address that South Africa-China relations is a model for South-South cooperation. The long-standing trade and investment partnership between the two countries plays a vital role in South Africa's economy, employment and overall development. The South African government will continue to optimise the business environment, and hopes to attract more Chinese investment to jointly shape a more equitable and mutually beneficial future.

The conference featured multiple segments, including keynote addresses, corporate signing ceremonies, opening ribbon-cutting, exhibition tours and business matchmaking sessions, all held in a vibrant atmosphere.