Pretoria – BAIC Automobile SA proudly participated in the opening ceremony of the “China–Africa People-to-People Exchange Year” and the Chinese Enterprise Image Exhibition held in Pretoria 13 February, celebrating the spirit of Chinese New Year while reinforcing its long-term commitment to South Africa.
The high-profile event brought together government leaders, diplomats, and major Chinese enterprises operating in South Africa. Among the distinguished guests in attendance were His Excellency Wu Peng, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to South Africa, and Ms Nomalungelo Gina, Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation of the Republic of South Africa.
The event served as both a cultural celebration and a strategic platform to strengthen economic, technological, and industrial cooperation between the two nations.
A Showcase of Innovation and Industrial Partnership
The exhibition featured leading Chinese enterprises across sectors including telecommunications, finance, aviation, manufacturing, and automotive innovation.
BAIC Automobile SA stood among eight prominent Chinese automotive brands showcasing the strength of China’s modern automotive engineering and its growing local footprint in South Africa.
At the BAIC exhibition stand, guests were introduced to the brand’s expanding SUV range and its deepening localisation strategy. Particular emphasis was placed on the locally assembled BAIC B30, produced at BAIC’s state-of-the-art Coega facility in Gqeberha – a symbol of the company’s “Build Where We Sell” philosophy and long-term industrial investment in South Africa .
High-Level Engagement and Bilateral Dialogue
During the exhibition tour, Ambassador Wu Peng and Deputy Minister Gina engaged with representatives from BAIC Automobile SA and other participating enterprises, receiving insights into technological innovation, local production capabilities, and corporate social responsibility initiatives.
Deputy Minister Gina acknowledged the contribution of Chinese enterprises to South Africa’s socio-economic development and emphasised the importance of continued collaboration in science, technology and innovation – sectors that are increasingly shaping the future of mobility and manufacturing.
BAIC Automobile SA reaffirmed its commitment to supporting South Africa’s industrialisation agenda through local assembly, skills development, and technology transfer, in partnership with stakeholders including the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC)
Celebrating Chinese New Year in South Africa
The exhibition venue was adorned with traditional festive décor, creating a vibrant cultural atmosphere that blended modern industrial achievement with centuries-old heritage.
For BAIC Automobile SA, the celebration symbolised more than a new year – it reflected a renewed commitment to partnership, localisation, and sustainable growth within South Africa.
The event marked a meaningful start to the “China–Africa People-to-People Exchange Year”, reinforcing the role of companies like BAIC Automobile SA as bridges between global innovation and local delivery.
Twisty Freesia
South Africa is the second largest economy on the continent, only exceeded by Nigeria, which has more than three times the population size. Over the past decade, South Africa has experienced rapid change and is ranked by the World Bank as an “upper middle-income country”. Of the more than 400 companies on the continent earning more than $1bn annually, about half are in South Africa. The country is nevertheless highly divided, with a large part of the population living in poverty. The division makes South Africa an interesting economy with possibilities in many segments. The country have well-developed infrastructure and world-class financial sector to support business activities, and is one of the highest ranking African countries on the ease of doing business index.