人民网约翰内斯堡9月23日电 （记者戴楷然）23日，由中国驻南非大使馆和南非贸易、工业和竞争部共同主 办的南非—中国贸易投资促进大会暨第九届中国—南非贸易博览会开幕式在南非约翰内斯堡加拉格尔会议中心举 行，来自中南两国的政界、企业界、学界等数百名代表出席。 图为南非—中国贸易投资促进大会暨第九届中国—南非贸易博览会开幕式现场。人民网记者 戴楷然摄 在第九届中南贸易博览会上，参观者与中国展商交流。人民网记者 戴楷然摄 会议现场，来自中南两国的企业界代表签署了谅解备忘录。中南经贸协会与南非商业联合会就加强信息共 享、促进企业交流、联合开展活动等达成合作意向；中国三一集团与南非曼滕古矿业设备公司就采矿设备采购等 达成合作意向……"我们期待更多中国企业来到南非投资，也希望帮助更多南非企业进入中国市场，共享发展机 遇。"南非商业联合会首席执行官库勒卡尼·马特（Khulekani Mathe）表示。三一集团非洲大区事业部董事长郭瑞 广说："南非在可再生能源、关键矿产等领域具有巨大潜力，我们将利用中国的先进技术，帮助南非建设'绿色矿 山''绿色物流'等体系，助力可持续发展。" 中国驻南非大使吴鹏致辞表示，此次活动是落实两国 ...

Core Viewpoint - The cooperation between China Construction Bank and First Rand Group aims to enhance financial services and trade relations between China and South Africa, with a focus on practical measures to deepen collaboration and promote the use of the Renminbi in Africa [1][3]. Group 1: Company Initiatives - China Construction Bank has provided over $8 billion in loans to Chinese enterprises, Belt and Road projects, and local South African companies since establishing its Johannesburg branch in 2000 [3]. - The bank and First Rand Group announced a system direct connection to improve cross-border fund flows, enhancing real-time processing and security [3]. - Both institutions will leverage the Cross-Border Interbank Payment System (CIPS) to promote the use of Renminbi in Africa, while also strengthening complementary services in products, channels, and customer resources [3]. Group 2: Economic Impact - The partnership is expected to boost financial service capabilities in South Africa and surrounding countries, injecting new vitality into Sino-African economic and trade cooperation [3]. - China has been South Africa's largest trading partner for 16 consecutive years, indicating strong growth in bilateral trade and investment cooperation [3]. - The event included discussions among various enterprises to explore key areas and practical needs for Sino-South African economic cooperation [4].

Core Insights - The increasing popularity of avocados in China is driven by health trends such as "light food" and "low fat," leading to a diverse range of consumption scenarios and rising demand for South African avocados [1][2] Industry Overview - South Africa has become the third African country, after Kenya and Tanzania, to gain access to the Chinese market for fresh avocados, with the first batch arriving in October 2024 [3] - The avocado industry in South Africa has over 20,000 hectares of cultivation area, with an annual growth rate of 800 hectares [2] - The annual production of avocados in South Africa is approximately 160,000 tons, with 40% to 45% exported to international markets, generating an export value of about 5 billion Rand (approximately 2.02 billion RMB) [2] Market Dynamics - In 2023, China imported approximately 66,000 tons of avocados, becoming the largest avocado importer in Asia [4] - South African avocados have a competitive advantage in terms of seasonality and variety, with a supply season from February to December due to diverse planting regions [5] - The South African avocado industry is focusing on developing unique recipes to cater to Chinese consumers and enhance market penetration [6] Logistics and Supply Chain - The average transportation time for South African avocados to Chinese ports is currently 22 to 25 days, with ongoing efforts to optimize cold chain logistics [5] - The introduction of a "green channel" for African agricultural products has facilitated smoother customs processes for South African avocados entering China [5] Economic Cooperation - The implementation of a zero-tariff policy for 100% of products from 53 African countries has boosted the confidence of the South African avocado industry in the Chinese market [6] - The South African avocado sector aims to expand its planting area and production while actively exploring the Chinese market to enhance global competitiveness [6]