By Pelane Phakgadi
LDARD MEC Nakedi Kekana welcomes Qin Zhanpeng - Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China
LDARD MEC Nakedi Kekana, together with LEDET MEC Tshitereke Matibe, as a request from the Limpopo Premier, Dr. Phophi Ramathuba were joined in welcoming Mr. Qin Zhanpeng, Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China and his entourage, to Limpopo.
The visit, held at the Fusion Boutique in Polokwane, comes at the request of the Chinese diplomatic mission in Pretoria, which sought engagements on cooperation between Limpopo Province and various Chinese provinces, the activities of Chinese enterprises in the province, and security conditions affecting Chinese businesses and citizens.
This working visit provides Limpopo with a valuable opportunity to sustain and deepen strategic relations with the Chinese diplomatic mission, while also presenting well-prepared and viable investment projects that can attract meaningful interest from Chinese investors. This visit allows the province to showcase its strengths in agriculture, agro-processing, and mineral beneficiation, thereby reinforcing its provincial programme on economic diplomacy and investment attraction.
Recent trade agreements between South Africa and China have created fertile ground for Limpopo to advance its agricultural agenda. In 2025, South Africa secured access for Avocados to the Chinese market, with Limpopo as the country’s leading producer. The province also stands to benefit from the landmark deal granting China access to five stone fruits—apricots, peaches, nectarines, plums, and prunes—negotiated collectively for the first time. These developments position the province, long recognised as the country’s fruit basket, to intensify trade with China and expand its agro-processing capacity.
As Limpopo engages with the Deputy Head of Mission, the province will emphasise opportunities for agricultural investment, infrastructure for cold-chain logistics, and farmer-to-farmer partnerships with Chinese provinces that share similar agro-ecological conditions.
The focus will be on building value chains, improving market access, and ensuring the safety and security of enterprises operating locally.
Chinese diplomatic mission in Pretoria requested the engagements on cooperation between Limpopo Province and various Chinese provinces, the activities of Chinese enterprises in the province, and security conditions affecting Chinese businesses and citizens.
