China launches its first visa service center in Africa

A China Visa Application Service Centre opened in Johannesburg. It's hoped that this will make it easier for more South Africans to travel to China.

It's the first Chinese visa service centre in the African continent. Its specifically expected to improve efficiency in the issuance of visas to South African citizens.

It was established following a need to further develop relationship between China and South Africa. Through this centre China hopes open similar centers in other countries in the continent.

Bilateral ties between China and South Africa have improved significantly in the last couple of years.

This growth has led to a rise in the number of South Africa making trips to China and vice versa.

With such high numbers, the centre is aimed at easing travel arrangements for South Africans seeking to travel to China.