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South Africa’s Consul for Political and Economic Affairs, Stella Sigcau, met with the Macau Suppliers Association on 3 March 2026 to discuss opportunities for expanding trade and economic cooperation between South Africa and Macau.
Symposium focused on trade and investment opportunities
The meeting took place at the China-Portuguese-speaking Countries Trade and Economic Cooperation Service Platform Complex, with support from the Macau Investment Promotion Institute.
The South African Consulate General accredited to Hong Kong and Macau joined the Macau Suppliers Association for a symposium where both sides held discussions on:
- trade and investment attraction
- tourism cooperation
- the development opportunities of the Hengqin Guangdong-Macau In-Depth Cooperation Zone
Participants described the discussions as warm and constructive, with both sides reaching preliminary consensus on potential future cooperation.
Macau Suppliers Association outlines regional economic strategy
During the meeting, Macau Suppliers Association Chairman Li Jiexing introduced the association’s development and strategic focus.
He explained that the association has actively aligned its work with national development strategies, including:
- the Belt and Road Initiative
- the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area
Li said the association is leveraging Macau’s role as a platform linking China and Portuguese-speaking countries, as well as the growing integration between Macau and Hengqin.
He noted that the association has already signed memorandums of understanding on trade cooperation with Cambodia and Pakistan, leading to practical economic exchanges.
Interest in expanding trade links with South Africa
Li Jiexing said the association hopes to expand direct trade with South Africa and explore cooperation in areas such as:
- investment partnerships
- product processing
- cultural tourism
South Africa highlights economic potential
Consul Stella Sigcau highlighted South Africa’s strengths and development potential in several sectors.
These include:
- trade and commerce
- agriculture
- manufacturing
- tourism
- the marine economy
She also expressed interest in the business environment and policy incentives associated with the Hengqin Cooperation Zone.
Sigcau said South Africa hopes to use Macau as a platform to expand access to Chinese and Portuguese-speaking markets, while encouraging practical cooperation between businesses in both regions.
Meeting strengthens Macau-Africa business ties
Officials said the meeting helped deepen mutual trust between business communities in Macau and Africa.
Both sides agreed to maintain communication and explore opportunities created by evolving regional economic policies in order to strengthen bilateral trade relations.
Delegations attending the meeting
Representatives from the Macau Suppliers Association included:
- Vice Presidents Situ Bikkwang and Hollies
- Executive Vice Chairmen Ye Zhaohui and Li Zhongyan
- Vice Chairman Wang Yanhui
- Executive Director Zheng Wenda
The South African Consulate General in Hong Kong and Macau was also represented by the Consul General’s Secretary.
