On July 10, 2026, Mr. Pan Qingjiang, Chinese Consul General in Johannesburg,met with Ms. Bernadette Zeiler, CEO of Johannesburg Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI) . Mr. Pan briefed the zero-tariff policy China introduced from May 1stfor 53 African countries with which it establishes diplomatic relations and early harvest of its implementation.Reaffirming that the policy, a significant move by China to expand high-level opening-up and deepen economic and trade cooperation with Africa, will substantially reduce South Africa's export costs to China and bring broad opportunities for South Africa's economic development,the Consul General expressed hope that JCCI would play an active role in promoting the zero-tariff policyamong more South African exporters, translating this policy into more benefits to the two peoples.

Ms. Zeiler spoke highly of the outcomesofChina-South African economic and trade cooperation and the zero-tariff policy, expressing the willingness of JCCI to further promote the effective implementation of the policy.

The two sides also exchanged views on working together to foster a favorable and enabling business environment.