'One Belt-One Road' Economic Forum comes to SA

The forum is held under the auspices of the Department of Foreign Investment Promotion of Shanghai Municipal Commission of Commerce (SCOFCOM) and co-organised by Meorient International Exhibition and CBN (China Business Network). The forum is also supported by DTI - Trade and Investment South Africa.

2015 happens to be the "China Year in South Africa", with a special focus on increasing bilateral trade and economic cooperation between the countries. Shanghai Municipal Commission of Commerce is actively implementing the consensus reached between Chinese President Xi Jingping and South African President Zuma on economic cooperation, deepening the ties between the two countries.

The forum is organised in accordance with the overall arrangements of Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Shanghai Municipal People's Government to achieve these goals said Ms. Jiang Hongxia, Deputy Director of SCOFCOM. "We'll also further enhance the trade and investment cooperation between Shanghai and South Africa, especially between Shanghai and Kwa-Zulu Natal province."

The One Belt One Road strategy is the most ambitious plan by the Chinese government to define a new silk road. The main focus of the programme is emerging markets, and the government has already committed 40 billion US dollars to advance trade and investment with target countries, including South Africa. Senior level government delegation from both countries and over 100 delegates will attend the forum.

The forum also coincides with the inaugural China Homelife and China Machinex exhibitions which will be running from 1 to 3 September at the Sandton Convention Centre. Over 200 premium Chinese companies will be exhibiting products ranging from textiles and garments, home electronics, to building materials and new energy.

Organised by Meorient International Exhibitions, China Homelife and China Machinex are one of the top rated Chinese product sourcing fairs in emerging markets, now with a footprint in nine countries including; Poland, Turkey, Brazil, Jordan, Dubai, India, Egypt, South Africa and Kazakhstan. Collectively in 2015, the portfolio of shows will bring together over 5000 exhibitors and approximately 75000 visitors from the 9 countries.

When choosing to bring China Homelife and China Machinex to Africa, Meorient found that South Africa plays an important role as the hub to the African region regarding the import of Chinese products. Chinese export to this region is growing at around 20% year on year and the Chinese Government is keen on further enhancing the trade relations. The two collocated shows will provide a platform for Chinese manufacturers and African buyers to come face to face and do business over three days.

China Homelife and China Machinex South Africa aims to increase trade relations between China and Southern Africa by offering a wide variety of quality products to top decision makers and buyers. The show has eight key product sectors; Hardware and Tools, Building Materials, Home Electronics & Appliances, Textiles and Garments, Furniture, Lighting, Escalators and Elevators as well as Power and Electricity. Meorient can assure that the exhibitors participating in this year's show are some of the best quality products manufactured in China, selected through a quality control process.