Johannesburg hosted a lively and promising meeting between South Africa and the Chinese province of Guizhou. The China (Guizhou)-South Africa (Johannesburg) Economic, Trade, Culture and Tourism Conference held at the NH Hotel in Sandton was not just a presentation but a statement of intent to deepen the already flourishing multi-faceted strategic partnership between the two countries.
A high-level delegation from Guizhou, led by Mr. Sang Weiliang, Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the Guizhou Provincial People's Congress and Chairman of the Guizhou Federation of Trade Unions, presented a dynamic presentation of the province's strengths, ambitions and opportunities for partnership, with a special focus on trade, arts, sports, travel and tourism.
Guizhou, located on the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau, is a province that is rapidly abandoning its former reputation as one of China's less developed regions. With a 2024 GDP of RMB 2.27 trillion and status as a national pilot zone for big data, Guizhou has become a hub for innovation, digital economy and environmental sustainability.
Famous for its iconic Moutai liquor, a global symbol of refined Chinese spirits, Guizhou is also celebrated for its natural beauty. Four UNESCO World Natural Heritage Sites, including the famous Huangguoshu Waterfall and Zhijin Cave, place it at the centre of China's ecotourism ambitions. Description of the President Xi Jinpingdescribing Guizhou as a "province of parks", reflects its pristine landscapes and cool climate, making it a natural "air conditioner" and "green oxygen bar".
But Guizhou is more than just breathtaking scenery. It is a model for rural revitalization and cultural pride. The ethnic diversity, with more than 36 % residents made up of minority groups such as Miao, Bouyei and Dong, has given rise to world-renowned grassroots events such as "Village Super" and "Village BA" that combine traditional culture with sports and tourism.
The promotional conference follows several strategic milestones, including the elevation of the China-South Africa relationship to a "New Era Comprehensive Strategic Partnership" during President Cyril Ramaphosa's visit to China in 2024. This shift, as noted by Ambassador Siyabonga Cwele, reflects an ambitious vision to modernise trade, agriculture, infrastructure and technology, with people-to-people exchanges at its core.
"South Africa will benefit from working with outstanding provinces like Guizhou," said Cwele, who praised Guizhou's transformation from one of China's poorest provinces to a beacon of innovation and high-quality growth. He highlighted the adoption of big data, digital healthcare and engineering prowess in infrastructure, particularly world-class bridges and tunnels, as lessons South Africa can adopt for its own rural development.
The mutual economic benefits are obvious. In 2024, trade between Guizhou and South Africa reached nearly 1.1 billion yuan. With Guizhou's growing industrial clusters, from advanced equipment and battery manufacturing for new energy to traditional exports such as tea, chili and guitars, the foundation is laid for deeper trade exchanges. Guizhou's call to South African entrepreneurs to become "Guizhou traders" was backed by real opportunities: open markets, a favourable policy environment and complementary strengths.
Tourism has emerged as a key focus. Contributing nine per cent to South Africa's GDP and employing 1.4 million people, cooperation with Guizhou in the areas of nature, culture and sports tourism offers great potential. Guizhou's interest in jointly developing tourism routes that link nature with culture, combining Moutai with Cape wines, village football with township tournaments, is indicative of a people-centred approach to diplomacy.
The Speaker of the Gauteng Provincial Legislative Assembly captured the spirit of the event: "We gather here not only to discuss opportunities, but to lead where others retreat, build where others tear down, and act where others falter." Its call for inclusive, long-term partnerships resonated throughout the conference, while the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) was reaffirmed as a foundation for connectivity, infrastructure and sustainable development.
As noted by the Consul General Mr Qingjiang a Gadia Brown, Special Economic Advisor to the Deputy President, Guizhou's transformation is in line with South Africa's vision for inclusive development, social cohesion and technological leapfrogging. There is a growing consensus that regional cooperation between provinces, cities and communities is the most enduring path to global peace and prosperity.
In a world marked by shifting geopolitical currents and growing uncertainties, Guizhou's engagement with Johannesburg is a timely reminder of the power of cooperation. Whether through the prism of trade, tourism, technology or sport, the message is clear: our destinies are linked.
South Africa welcomes the mountains and bridges of Guizhou, its liquor and lakes, its entrepreneurs and artists. And in return, South Africa offers its markets, its cultural riches, its youthful energy and its gateway to the African continent.
Kirtan Bhana
Thediplomaticsociety/gnews.cz - cik
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