It's a big year for China-South Africa relations. With several events on the 2015 calendar celebrating the time-honored relationship between the two countries, the most colorful is sure to be the Year of China in South Africa. Expected to be launched in March and go on until the second half of the year, the program is set to feature a kaleidoscope of cultural events that showcase China to a welcoming South African audience, and bring about a better understanding of China and what it brings to this strategic relationship. While the Year of China in South Africa has a cultural theme, it will also encourage enterprises to invest in South Africa, promote mutual technical support in the areas of green economy, skills development and industrial financing, and inspire companies from both countries to explore cooperation opportunities in infrastructure construction projects.

In addition, the Year of China in South Africa seeks to develop the huge potential in the tourism market of each country. China was South Africa's fourth largest source market for tourist arrivals in 2013, for the second year in succession, and the growth in this sector is expected to rise exponentially as South Africans and Chinese learn more about each other. It's sure to be an exciting year ahead and one that continues to enhance the cooperation and friendship between these two nations.