​Lerato Mailoane
To promote trade and investment in Gauteng, Premier Panyaza Lesufi emphasised that businesses can only thrive if crime is eradicated in the province. Lesufi addressed the Beijing-South Africa Business Cooperation Promotion Conference in Johannesburg on Wednesday.
The conference brought together various industries from Beijing and South Africa to explore the potential for trade and investment cooperation. 
During his address, Premier Lesufi shared key strategic priorities with delegates and the Chinese Ambassador, highlighting the need for support in learning and partnerships for the economic growth of both Gauteng and China.
Premier Lesufi called on the Chinese government to assist in combating the rampant crime in South Africa. "Crime is the biggest issue that must be tackled head-on, and we want to invest all our resources, skills, and technology. Your technology can help us fight crime," Lesufi said. 
"We want to use the latest technology; the investment in fighting crime is the most crucial area we want you to work with us on. The relationship between your police force and their nerve centre is what we need to establish in our province."
The Premier also highlighted the province's focus on infrastructure development. "We need new infrastructure and buildings to attract investment," he said. 
Additionally, Lesufi noted that the province seeks investment in the transport sector and assistance with energy challenges.
China remains South Africa's key investment partner. In 2023, Beijing imported $8.9 billion from South Africa and continues to drive investment across various industries. 
During the conference, Invest SA Gauteng and the Gauteng Growth and Development Agency (GGDA) signed a partnership with the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade Beijing Sub-council (CCPIT) and the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade Representative Office South Africa.
GGDA's Group Executive for Trade Investment and Regulatory Enablement,  Sipho Marala, provided an overview of the GGDA and discussed the impact of foreign direct investment on different parts of Gauteng. The session concluded with a reminder that the country's development and innovation efforts should always focus on benefiting its people