South African SMEs actively participate in CIIE

A growing number of small and medium enterprises from South Africa are attending this year's China International Import Expo, hoping to expand their overseas market.

Photo taken on October 28, 2019 shows Pieter De Villiers (right) and Riaan Kirstein (left) in their Purple Puppy Studio. [Photo: China Plus/Gao Junya]

At a workshop in Cape Town, Pieter De Villiers is working meticulously on his laser cutting products.

He and his partner Riaan Kirstein set up their laser cutting business named Purple Puppy Studio 7 years ago, making home decor, decals, gifts and other creative products.

Kirstein says they are carving out a unique way of doing business.

"We try to be very exclusive. Everything we do is custom-made for our clients. Two years ago, we also decided to develop our own range of stuff that we produce in the market. That's when the fynbos lamp-shades came from. We mainly do wood and paper. We try and not do a lot of plastic stuff. Just to keep our carbon footprint low."

Photo taken on October 28, 2019 shows a laser cut product in Purple Puppy Studio. [Photo: China Plus/Gao Junya]

Purple Puppy Studio is one of the 20 small and medium enterprises from South Africa that will attend this year's China International Import Expo.

Although this is the first time for them to go to China, it's not the first connection with the Chinese market.

Photo taken on October 28, 2019 shows a laser cut product in Purple Puppy Studio. [Photo: China Plus/Gao Junya]

The laser cutting machine they bought 7 years ago to start their business was made in China. And over the years, they've bought quite a lot of materials made in China.

"The thing that excites me about going to China is that the machine is from China, the technology is from China, the material is from China and we locally produce it here. and now we are taking it back to China. I'm very excited."

Photo taken on October 28, 2019 shows a laser cut product in Purple Puppy Studio. [Photo: China Plus/Gao Junya]

Kirstein says shortly after he registered online for the CIIE, some Chinese companies contacted him and expressed interest in possible cooperation.

He says the CIIE is providing plenty of opportunities for their small business to expand overseas, especially in the Chinese market.

"The Chinese market I think is fascinating. I think it will be an opportunity for us to export to the east. The Chinese market is a newly developed market, especially for South Africa. My idea is also not only go, promote and sell our products. I would also like to see from Chinese people that come to me . If I can find a client there and deal directly with the client. For me it's beneficial to do both ways."

Photo taken on October 28, 2019 shows the laser cutting machine in Purple Puppy Studio cutting a flower. [Photo: China Plus/Gao Junya]

Thirty-two South African companies are going to taking part in this year's CIIE, a significant increase compared to twelve companies last year.

China has been South Africa's largest trading partner for ten years, and South Africa has been China's largest trading partner in Africa for nine years.

Bilateral trade volume reached 43.5 billion US dollars in 2018.