China-South Africa Ties: Chinese high-tech producers in Johannesburg to boost trade

World
Europe

02:00

Trade between China and South Africa could be set for another boost. Chinese electronics manufacturers are encouraging South African entrepreneurs and small businesses to join their global supply chain. This comes as dozens of high-tech producers from China recently travelled to Johannesburg, looking to expand their footprint in Africa. CGTN's Julie Scheier reports.

Chinese manufacturer Livall has already achieved what other high-tech producers at the Consumer Electronics Expo are aiming for. It's teamed up with South African engineering company Akata to distribute its smart helmet locally.

BRIAN ZHENG FOUNDER, LIVALL "After several times talk, we want to start up as a company here. We want to start up Livall South Africa. That's the first step in Africa. And then we will extend our business to Livall Africa."

The Bluetooth helmet increases visibility and improves cyclists' safety on the road.

ALWYN STEENKAMP CHAIRPERSON, AKATA GROUP "The first consignment we brought into the country was almost a hundred units. They were sold within a week. So, we just brought in over a thousand in now and we'll start to distribute throughout e-commerce platform."

The partnership also presents an opportunity to create jobs in South Africa.

BRIAN ZHENG FOUNDER, LIVALL "If we just import the products to South Africa, very high duties. So, my partner talks with me. We may just import the parts here and then we will employ the local guys."

ALWYN STEENKAMP CHAIRPERSON, AKATA GROUP "We already had an approach from two government institutions in this week to do the funding for us. So, we'll start off with just assembling in South Africa. And later as we transfer skills, we'll then go over to manufacturing in South Africa."

JULIE SCHEIER JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA "South Africa and China have a good relationship at a government and corporate level. But this expo is about connecting smaller players, and to make it easier to do business with each other. JS, CGTN, JHB, SA."