Western Cape Government Meets with Chinese Ministry of Commerce | Western Cape Government

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Western Cape Government Meets with Chinese Ministry of Commerce

3 July 2013

On Tuesday, 2 July 2013, Western Cape Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Gerrit van Rensburg, met with officials of the Chinese Ministry of Commerce in Beijing, China. This meeting forms part of a visit to stimulate trade and investment between the Western Cape and its Chinese sister province, Shandong, with which it celebrates 15 years of bilateral relations this year.

Van Rensburg invited the Chinese to use the Western Cape as a gateway into Africa. He also invited Cao Jiachan, Deputy Director General, Department of West Asia and Africa in the Ministry of Commerce to attend a wine tasting on 10 June 2013, which the Western Cape Department of Agriculture will be hosting in Beijing.

The Western Cape Government will also support a South African wine delegation for the third year at the annual Yantai International Wine Exposition from the 5 July 2013.

Van Rensburg said wine exports from South Africa to China have increased by 34% between 2009 and 2012. He said government support of promotional activities, together with good relationships with the relevant government departments, are crucial for sustained export growth in China.

Jiachan said the Western Cape is well known for its wine and natural beauty, making it a popular tourist destination for Chinese citizens. He congratulated the Western Cape for its efforts in promoting the Western Cape as an investment destination. He said data shows a steady increase in trade volumes between the Western Cape and China.

Media Enquiries: 

Wouter Kriel
Spokesperson for Minister Van Rensburg
Tel: 021 483 4700
Cell: 079 694 3085
E-mail: wouter.kriel@westerncape.gov.za