Minister of Trade Industry and Competition Parks Tau hosted a roundtable discussion with Shu Wei, Vice Minister of the State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) of the People’s Republic of China on Monday to boost trade relations.
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Minister of Trade Industry and Competition Parks Tau hosted a roundtable discussion with Shu Wei, Vice Minister of the State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) of the People’s Republic of China on Monday to boost trade relations. A Memorandum of Understanding on Institutional Connectivity of Rules and Standards was also signed.
Tau said that China remains South Africa’s largest trading partner. “Bilateral trade continues to expand, while investment between our countries continues to make a meaningful contribution to industrial development, economic growth and job creation.”
Tau added that a significant milestone has been China’s implementation of the unilateral zero-tariff arrangement for South African exports, which entered into effect on May 1, 2026, with South Africa implementing the arrangement from June 1, 2026.
“South Africa welcomes this important initiative, which demonstrates China’s commitment to supporting Africa’s industrialisation and creating new opportunities for developing economies to participate more effectively in global trade,” he said.
Tau added that the arrangement provides significant opportunities for South African exporters to diversify their exports, increase value addition, strengthen manufacturing capability and expand their presence in one of the world’s largest consumer markets.
Tau said that experience has consistently demonstrated that tariff preferences alone do not guarantee market access. “Businesses can only fully realise these opportunities where standards, technical regulations, accreditation systems, conformity assessment procedures, inspection systems and measurement infrastructure function efficiently and enjoy mutual confidence.”
Tau added that the MOU on Institutional Connectivity of Rules and Standards, which will be signed during this visit, represents an important milestone in their bilateral relationship. “The signing of this Memorandum gives practical expression to the discussions we held in Beijing.”
Tau said that it transforms the shared vision into an institutional framework for cooperation and provides a concrete mechanism through which their regulatory institutions can work together to support implementation of the unilateral zero-tariff arrangement, reduce unnecessary technical barriers to trade, strengthen regulatory cooperation and facilitate greater participation by businesses in both markets.
“The MoU also establishes an important platform to deepen collaboration in priority sectors identified by our two governments, including agriculture, consumer products, new energy vehicles, renewable energy technologies, digital technologies and other emerging industries,” added Tau.
Tau said that the discussion also takes place against the backdrop of ongoing SACU-China engagements on the Early Harvest Arrangement.
“South Africa remains committed to working closely with China and our SACU partners to secure an outcome that delivers tangible economic benefits and lays the foundation for a broader, more comprehensive economic partnership.”
Tau added that the successful implementation of both the unilateral zero-tariff arrangement and the Early Harvest Arrangement will require more than just tariff concessions.
“It will require trusted institutions, transparent regulatory systems, strengthened technical cooperation and confidence in each other’s quality infrastructure systems. The work undertaken by SAMR together with South Africa’s technical infrastructure institutions is therefore central to unlocking the full benefits of these important initiatives.”
Tau said that they are particularly encouraged by the opportunities for cooperation in new energy vehicles, mutual recognition of conformity assessment results, strengthened collaboration between SANAS and CNAS, critical minerals, green economy metrology, food safety systems, renewable energy technologies and emerging areas such as digital and artificial intelligence metrology.
Tau added that the history of South Africa-China relations demonstrates what can be achieved when both countries work together in a spirit of mutual respect, solidarity and shared development. “The continuity of our engagement, from Beijing earlier this year, through the Deputy President’s successful Working Visit, to Monday’s Roundtable, demonstrates that our partnership is increasingly focused on implementation, delivery and measurable outcomes.”
Tau concluded that by strengthening institutional connectivity, deepening regulatory cooperation and enhancing collaboration among our technical infrastructure institutions, they can unlock the full benefits of the unilateral zero-tariff arrangement, support progress towards the Early Harvest Arrangement and create new opportunities for trade, investment and industrial cooperation.
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