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Eastern Cape Premier Lubabalo Oscar Mabuyane and MEC for Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism, Nonkqubela Pieters, held a high-level strategic meeting on 11 November 2025 with a Chinese delegation to explore deeper investment cooperation across key provincial sectors. The engagement, held ahead of the BAIC B30 vehicle launch in Modderfontein, Johannesburg, focused on expanding opportunities in automotive manufacturing, renewable energy, and agriculture.
What Happened?
The meeting underscored growing economic relations between the Eastern Cape Province and China, a key trade and investment partner. Discussions centered on attracting more Chinese investment to strengthen the province’s industrial base, create jobs, and enhance export potential.
The timing of the meeting coincided with the official launch of the BAIC B30 sedan, a vehicle assembled in the Eastern Cape under a major automotive partnership between Beijing Automotive Industry Holding Co. (BAIC) and South Africa’s Industrial Development Corporation (IDC).
Official Response
MEC Nonkqubela Pieters emphasized that such strategic engagements are essential to driving inclusive economic growth. She emphasized that the provincial government is committed to building investor confidence by improving the business environment and transparent collaboration with international partners.
“We are creating an environment that encourages investment, innovation, and sustainable job creation,” Pieters stated. “The BAIC partnership is proof that the Eastern Cape is a hub of industrial excellence.”
Community Impact
The strengthened relationship between the Eastern Cape and China is expected to boost local economies by creating employment opportunities and improving access to modern technology, particularly in the automotive and renewable energy industries.
Communities within industrial development zones such as Coega and East London IDZ stand to benefit directly through expanded manufacturing and supplier networks.
