Premier Panyaza Lesufi Strengthens Gauteng–Shandong Relations in Historic Bilateral Meeting 

In yet another milestone for Gauteng’s growing global influence, Premier Panyaza Lesufi this evening hosted a high-level bilateral meeting with Ms Ge Huijun, Chairperson of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) Shandong Provincial Committee.

The meeting marked a significant step in formalising and deepening relations between the Gauteng Province of South Africa and Shandong Province of the People’s Republic of China. The two delegations used the occasion to sign a cooperation framework aimed at expanding collaboration in key areas such as agriculture, trade and investment, vehicle manufacturing, cultural exchange, education and training.

This engagement comes on the back of strengthened diplomatic relations between South Africa and China, whose partnership was elevated to an “All-Round Strategic Cooperative Partnership in a New Era” in September 2024.

According to the Gauteng Provincial Government, the partnership with Shandong is expected to unlock major investment opportunities, create jobs and broaden export markets for local industries. Shandong Province is one of China’s most important industrial and manufacturing hubs, while Gauteng remains South Africa’s economic powerhouse — making the synergy between the two both strategic and mutually beneficial.

In 2023, South Africa ranked as Shandong’s third-largest trading partner in Africa, with bilateral trade reaching US $2.63 billion. The meeting therefore cements Gauteng’s position as a key player in the economic bridge between Africa and Asia.

Premier Lesufi hailed the engagement as a “progressive step towards economic renewal and global cooperation”, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to attracting investment and building international partnerships that directly benefit the people of Gauteng.

This latest development not only enhances Gauteng’s trade prospects but also reinforces Lesufi’s broader vision of positioning the province as a global investment destination driven by innovation, youth participation and industrial growth.

By Africa News Alliance | Editorial Team