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MISA welcomes the trade deal with China

Feb 09, 2026 Motor Industry Staff Association (MISA), Minister of Trade Industry and Competition, Parks Tau, China-Africa Economic Partnership Agreement, (CAEPA).


MISA welcomes the trade deal with China

 

The Motor Industry Staff Association (MISA), has noted that the Minister of Trade Industry and Competition Parks Tau, has signed a trade deal with China. China’s Minister of Commerce, Wang Renato met with Tau to sign the China-Africa Economic Partnership Agreement, (CAEPA). This deal will give South Africa preferential access to the Chinese market.

 

According to an interview that Minister Parks Tau had with the SABC the deal includes the following:

·       South Africa would get tariff-free access to Chinese markets.

·       There will be no limit on quotas and products that South Africa will be sending to the Chinese market. 

             

It covers a number of areas including trade co-operation, investment co-operation, new energy co-operation, and multilateral co-operation.

 

MISA which represents the majority of workers in the retail motor industry welcomes the latest development. As a union representing 75 000 workers in the motor sector, MISA supports government’s efforts to attract investment and grow local manufacturing.

There are Chinese automotive companies already investing in South Africa and they are creating employment. MISA hopes that the CAEPA will enhance and accelerate this investment.

 

If that happens, then workers can benefit through:

•     Expansion of local assembly and manufacturing, particularly as Chinese brands seek proximity to the African market

•     New jobs in logistics, warehousing, retail, servicing and parts distribution, which are labour intensive segments of the value chain

•     Greater employment stability as brands move from import only models to deeper market presence

 

Chinese brands entering South Africa are increasingly investing in dealership networks, which directly employ sales staff, technicians, admin workers, cleaners and security personnel — many of whom are young or first time entrants to the formal labour market.

 

#PROUDLYMISA #MISALEADS #MISACARES #MISAONTHEMOVE #MISAFAMILY

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