The rainbow nation of South Africa is determined to impress people this autumn by offering a large number of business opportunities at the 17th China International Fair for Investment and Trade that runs from Sept 8 to 11 in Xiamen, Fujian province.

"We have 62 enterprises in our delegation. Forty two of them are exhibiting high value-added products, including agricultural and chemical products, while another 20 offer investment projects," said Rob Davies, South Africa's Department of Trade and Industry minister.

As the only country named guest of honor at the CIFIT, South Africa has probably the largest pavilion of all countries and regions represented at the annual event.

A billboard in front of the South African pavilion shows the list of the 42 exhibitors that specialize in a large variety of things ranging from wines and dry flowers to tea, coffee and alternative energy.

Among them is The Township Winery from Philippi, a small community about 10 kilometers from Cape Town.

The winery's six employees produce 1.2 million bottles of wine, said Graham Knox, one of its three shareholders.

Some 100,000 bottles are consumed locally, while the rest are exported to a number of countries including Germany, the UK, the Philippines and China, said the 70-year old.

"We are looking for a 5 million rand ($499,000) investment so that we can improve our equipment and build a restaurant complex," said Knox.

Zameer Mohammed, chief executive officer of Zam Brands, is seeking Chinese distributors for his products.

Headquartered in Natal province, the company manufactures instant drinks including tea, coffee, juice and milkshakes.

He said he is optimistic about finding suitable partners because "people now drink more than they eat" and "our products are purely natural, without preservatives, colorants or artificial flavors".

The South African Alternative Energy Association is inviting Chinese partners to explore the African market.

The largest of its kind in the continent, it has some 480 member companies that specialize in solar, tidal, wind, biomass and other renewable technologies, said Alwyn Smith, chairman of the association.

"We want to partner with Chinese companies to establish manufacturing facilities in South Africa," he said.

"There are a lot of opportunities because South Africa is the gateway to the African continent."

Davies said that several weeks ago The Financial Times ranked South Africa as the best investment destination in Africa in terms of infrastructure, government services and ease of doing business.

He added that Chinese companies are mainly involved in South Africa's mining industry, to the tune of $440 million.

As safety is a major concern for potential Chinese investors, Davies reassured them that the serious crime rate is going down in the country. But he also urged them not to flaunt their wealth because crimes related to valuable goods usually occur between those who do not know each other.

The Department of Trade and Industry also held on Sept 8 an Invest-in South Africa seminar and a matchmaking symposium to introduce the country's investment environment, investment policies and key projects.

Davies said his delegation will also hold exhibitions in Shanghai and Beijing later this month, adding China has been South Africa's largest trading partner since 2008.

This year also marks the 15th anniversary of the founding of diplomatic relations between China and South Africa.

Because South Africa boasts exceptionally diversified races, tribes, creeds, languages and landscapes, it is also seeing a rising number of Chinese tourists.

Since the first direct flight from Beijing to Johannesburg was launched in 2012, China has become the fourth largest source of tourists for South Africa. More than 120,000 Chinese tourists headed to the country that year to experience its breathtaking scenery and characteristic cuisine.

Xiao Xiangyi contributed to the story.

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(China Daily 09/09/2013 page18)