China will hold the first China International Import Expo in Shanghai in November. And to help prepare, the Chinese embassy in Pretoria hosted a ceremony welcoming South Africa to the expo. CGTN's Yolisa Njamela has more.

It's the first ever Chinese International Import Expo here in South Africa. It is expected to give a strong boost to China-South Africa trade. The import expo will facilitate the flow of goods and commodities from all over the world to China.

JODI SCHOLTZ DEPARTMENT OF TRADE AND INDUSTRY, SOUTH AFRICA "As we embark on this journey, we are heartened by the knowledge that we can walk side by side with our friends. You are important partners in our quest for building a stronger and a more sustainable economy and a better life for our people. We appreciate and value our partnership within the BRICS group of countries and other platforms of mutual interest. With a pursuit of South-South trade is paramount. South Africa and the People's Republic of China share a very special and a unique bond.

This is an unrivaled initiative in the history of international trade.

CHENG JUN, DIRECTOR BANK OF CHINA, JOHANNESBURG "It is a major major of China's new opening up as a firm support to the free trade and the globalization. And it's conducive to the growth of international trade and world economy."

This year marks the twentieth anniversary of China-South Africa diplomatic ties. Both countries are keen to showcase how beneficial the relations between the two nations are.

CASSIE MALATHE, DEPUTY MINISTER SMALL BUSINESS DEPARTMENT "Acting together with our partners in BRICS who are our long-term friends strategically we can do more to develop our country, our continent and the world at large."

LIN SONGTIAN CHINESE AMBASSADOR TO SOUTH AFRICA "It is a major pioneer undertaken in the history of the international trade. But taken a lead to host such an EXPO, the Chinese government is demonstrating its firm reserves and sincere wishes to further opening up to share development reserves and opportunities with the world. And so as to realize common development."

The two countries want to join hands to further promote the development of both nations.

YOLISA NJAMELA PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA "The expo is a great opportunity platform for countries and regions to do business with China."

A number of enterprises have already signed to be part of this new venture. Yolisa Njamela, CGTN, Pretoria, South Africa.