January 2018 marks the 20th anniversary of ChinaSouth Africa diplomatic relations. These 20 years have witnessed the rapid growth of bilateral ties between the two countries in all aspects through interactions under frameworks such as the Forum on China

and second in the two sectors.

China FAW Group also set up a factory in the Coega Industrial Development Zone in South Africa. In 2016, the factory produced 1,152 vehicles. Designed with an annual output of 100,000 vehicles, Beijing Automotive Group Co. Ltd. is building a factory in the zone, which is expected to be put into production by the end of March 2018.

China’s IT giant Huawei established its first R&D Innovation Center in South Africa and implemented a five-year plan for training. Beijing Tong Ren Tang Group Co. Ltd. set up five traditional Chinese medicine pharmacies and clinics in South Africa, which is an important milestone marking traditional Chinese medicine’s entry into Africa. In addition, the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC), China Construction Bank (CCB), Bank of China (BOC) and China-Africa Development Fund (CADFund) also set up offices and began operating in Johannesburg. to attend FOCAC Ministerial Conference and other high-level exchanges. We will encourage the media, think tanks and overseas Chinese to engage in related activities and make great strides in promoting these activities.

Second, celebrations will be held at specific times. On the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, the leaders and foreign ministers of the two countries will exchange congratulatory messages, and the two sides will hold a reception in their respective capitals. During the Spring Festival period, cultural troupes from China will visit South Africa.

Third, we will hold celebrations to deepen bilateral cooperation. Seminars will be held by the media, think tanks and enterprises to fully demonstrate achievements made during the 20 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations and look at the bright future prospects. In addition, China-South Africa trade fairs, investment and commodity exhibitions are being planned to promote bilateral economic and trade cooperation.

Fourth, activities will be held to promote cultural and people-to-people exchanges. The Second Meeting of the China-South Africa HighLevel People-to-People Exchange Mechanism will be held in China in 2018. Together with South Africa, China will organize themed exchange activities involving culture, science and technology, health and youth to foster a festive atmosphere to encourage people in the two countries to participate. The dialogue between China and South Africa will create a paradigm of cultural and people-to-people exchanges. In addition, we plan to cooperate with South Africa in [the fields of] education, science and technology, cultural activities and the fight against wildlife poaching.