South Africa has responded to the rise of East Asia by building new commercial links with the region, especially with China. South Africa has sought to build a strategic partnership with the Asian giant in the hope of securing a key political ally and an economic development partner. In this context, Hong Kong has been a key economic and diplomatic link for South Africa in East Asia and is expected to remain so for the foreseeable future. The China–South Africa economic relationship has brought Hong Kong into focus as an important, and possibly the most important, gateway for South Africa's entry to China. The purpose of this study is to investigate the importance of Hong Kong as an entry point to China, as Hong Kong is a very effective hub and logistics base with excellent access to the Chinese market. Along with a well developed business-friendly environment and the freest economy in the world, Hong Kong offers significant commercial opportunities. This research suggests that Hong Kong will remain a key gateway for South Africa to access Mainland China for at least the next ten years.

Written by Garth Shelton, South African Institute of International Affairs