Qin Zhanpeng and Mandla Ndlovu.
Premier Mandla Ndlovu hosted a high-level delegation from the People’s Republic of China, led by Minister Qin Zhanpeng, in Mbombela on May 14 in a move aimed at strengthening economic cooperation, investment and diplomatic relations between Mpumalanga and China.
The engagement marked a significant milestone in advancing subnational cooperation and reaffirmed the growing strategic partnership between the province and China, particularly in sectors central to Mpumalanga’s economic transformation and development agenda.
During the meeting, Premier Ndlovu reiterated Mpumalanga’s commitment to deepening collaboration with China in agriculture, energy, infrastructure, digital technology, industrialisation and skills development.
He highlighted that the province has already entered into Memoranda of Understanding with Longhua City in Gansu Province and Xiamen City in Fujian Province. These agreements focus on industrial cooperation, agricultural collaboration and green energy development.
Ndlovu said the Mpumalanga International Food Produce Market presents a major opportunity to expand export access for the province’s citrus and agricultural products into the Chinese market. He noted that this could unlock new opportunities for trade, economic growth and job creation.
The Premier also expressed appreciation for China’s financial contribution towards disaster recovery efforts in Mpumalanga.
He said Mpumalanga and Limpopo were the two provinces that benefited from the gesture, describing it as a sign of solidarity and friendship between the two nations.
Minister Qin Zhanpeng underscored the strength of China–South Africa relations, noting that China has remained South Africa’s largest trading partner for the past 16 years.
He encouraged Mpumalanga government officials and students to take advantage of China’s foreign aid training programme, which offers both short- and long-term study opportunities. Applications for the 2026 intake are currently open.
Qin further reaffirmed that cooperation at provincial and municipal level remains a key pillar of China–South Africa relations and assured Mpumalanga of the Chinese Embassy’s continued support in ensuring the effective implementation of agreements concluded between the province and its Chinese partners.
