By The People’s Republic of China is the largest trade partner of South Africa globally and in Africa, as such, the two countries enjoy bilateral trade that grew from R614 billion in 2022 to R692 billion in 2023.
President Cyril Ramaphosa earlier this month made a state visit to China where he met with its President Xi Jinping to further strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries. The trade relations are further cascaded down to the provinces of South Africa including the Free State.
The Consul General of the People’s Republic of China Mr Pan Qinjiang visited the Free State where he met with the Premier Ms MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae at the Free State House in Bloemfontein on 13 September 2024, where the duet held talks on strengthening bilateral relations.
China already has a presence in the province with investments worth billions and a significant number of job opportunities. The Premier said the meeting was primarily to revive bilateral relations between China and the Free State.
Premier Letsoha-Mathae said the meeting comes at the backdrop of the meeting led by President Ramaphosa to China, as such, all that was agreed upon in China, the province will follow suit and make plans based on the China declaration.
Premier MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae said though it is exciting to have foreign direct investment in the province, compliance is of paramount importance as mentioned during the State of the Province Address (SOPA), that though investors bring factories and create jobs in the province, they must comply with labour laws because not doing so can strain relations.
The Premier said, during their meeting, they also showed what they will need from China, she pointed out that the Province is in need of artisans and civil engineers. Letsoha-Mathae said the civil engineers will assist with sewerage challenge in Matjhabeng and Maluti-A-Phofung will also benefit from the much needed engineers, who most of them have gone to the private sector.
Mr Pan Qinjiang said he is pleased with the friendly engagement on their bilateral relations, he said the meeting discussed pathways to exploring co-operations in various areas including trade and economy, agriculture, manufacturing, energy and many more.
He expressed confidence in the bilateral relations and that the action that follows will translate into concrete outcomes that are beneficial to the people.
Letsoha-Mathae expressed he gratitude to the Consul General for donating 11 generators to the province, saying they will assist municipalities that are struggling with electricity challenges.
