South Africa: Wesgro welcomes China’s Zero-Tarff Plan for African Countries that showcased Western Cape Exporters CAETE 2025. As a part of a mission to unlock the access to new markets and new buyers, the official tourism, trade and investment promotion agency for Cape Town and the Western Cape has proudly partnered with the Standard Bank Group to participate in the 2025 China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo (CAETE), that is being observed from June 12 to 15 in Changsha, China.
CAETE is one of the largest trade exhibitions globally that fostered direct linkages between African businesses and the Chinese market. In total, 17 Western Cape exporters are being showcased at the event, who will be presenting a diverse range of products including organic hand-made cosmetics, wines, spices, fresh flowers, teas and nutritional goods.
Wesgro, welcomes China’s recent announcement to grant zero-tariff treatment to all 53 African countries with which it maintains diplomatic relations. They are confident that this will lead to significant opportunities for businesses in the Western Cape.
At present, China is serving as one of the biggest export markets for Western Cape Businesses. It will work to understand how best business can leverage new opportunities flowing from this announcement.
CEO of Wesgro – Wrenelle Stander stated that the market diversification is critical to building resilience and long-term growth for Western Cape businesses by supporting engagements in key global markets like China, they are advancing the strategic mandate to drive trade and investment.
Stander believes that this platform allows them to position the Western Cape as a premium export region and connect local businesses to high-potential buyers in strategic markets.
She ensured that over the course of the visit, Wesgro will also be highlighting opportunities for investment into the province’s Food and Beverages sector. Also, meetings have been organized to showcase private sector investment into infrastructure and logistics in South Africa.
Head of Business Enablement and Operations at Business and Commercial Banking, Standard Bank Group – Andrew Robertson stated that at Business and Commercial Banking, they take pride in themselves in turning possibilities into opportunities for the businesses that power Africa’s vibrant economies.
China’s zero-tariff policy presents a catalytic opportunity and through strategic platforms and the strategic partnerships with entities such as Wesgro, they support businesses convert policy into progress by unlocking direct access to high-potential buyers.