South Africa's relations with Canada will come under the spotlight on Tuesday when President Jacob Zuma hosts the governor-general of Canada, David Johnston, for a state visit.
This will be Johnston's first visit to South Africa, which forms part of his tour of Africa – including stops in Ghana and Botswana.
South Africa is Canada's second-largest trading partner in sub-Saharan Africa.
Trade between the two countries doubled between 2000 and 2007, before declining by almost 20% in the latter part of 2007 due to pressures from the international financial crisis.
The ensuing global economic crisis continued to affect South Africa's trade with Canada, resulting in a decline throughout 2008 and 2009.
South Africa's exports to Canada stabilised to around R5 billion in 2010-2011, while Canadian exports to South Africa declined to R3bn. About two-thirds of South African exports to Canada relate to minerals and mining equipment, with agricultural and chemical products making up the rest.
Canada views South Africa as a gateway into the Southern African Development Community and the rest of Africa.
Canada has provided development assistance to South Africa since 1979. More than US$200 million in Canadian support has been contributed through the Canadian International Development Agency, with annual spending averaging about $14m.
Canada's involvement in South Africa focuses on the strengthening of service delivery, rural development and combating HIV/Aids.
