Date: 12/05/2003
Source: Ministry of Arts, Culture, Science and Technology
Title: Ngubane: South Africa and Spain to co-operate on science & technology


STATEMENT ON SOUTH AFRICA'S MINISTER OF ARTS, CULTURE, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, DR BEN NGUBANE, AND SPAIN'S MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS, MR JOSEPH PIQUE, SIGNING AN AGREEMENT ON SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNOLOGICAL CO-OPERATION, BARCELONA, Spain, 12 May 2003

South Africa's Minister of Arts, Culture, Science and Technology, Dr Ben Ngubane, and Spain's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Joseph Pique, signed an agreement on a bilateral co-operation in Barcelona today, 12 May 2003.

The objective of the agreement is to identify critical areas of mutual benefit and interest in science and technology (S&T) for potential cooperation. The agreement is part of a process that began in November 1999, when South Africa entertained the need for the possibility of co-operating with Spain.

Through the agreement, possibilities of extending research and development (R&D) partnerships to a regional level with, for example, the Southern African Development Community and Mediterranean countries, will be explored and a S&T exchange programmes between the two countries will be initiated.

The Framework Agreement will see both countries develop their national economies and improve their socio-economic conditions through the interaction of scientific and technological institutions. It is through international resources that develops appropriate strategic partnerships, identified through international cooperation processes. This can lead to higher levels of Official Development Assistance (ODA) being sourced for the National System of Innovation and for science and technology in Africa.

Spain, not only has the fastest growing economy, but is also an important member of the European Union (EU), and as such, will be a valuable partner in attracting support for science and technology programmes in the Sixth Framework Programme (FP6).

Participation in the FP6 of the European Union is South Africa's major strategic focus over the next period, and our country has developed a network of national co-ordinators to ensure participation.

Spain has experienced one of the fastest growth rates for human resources in R&D and as a result ranks fifth in the EU. Research in Spain has grown considerably in the last 20 years, and between 1980 and 1990, their research and development expenditure was double that of advanced countries.

South Africa will therefore obtain a commitment for the continuation of Spanish co-operative support for projects in the field of science and technology, but will also foster relations in support of the objectives of New Economic Partnership for Africa' s Development (NEPAD). This will assist in strengthening the current investment climate in Spain and reaffirm South Africa's position as a reliable investment destination, as well as to strengthen the bonds of friendship between the two countries.

Both Ministers believe that the agreement will develop the national economies of both countries and improve socio-economic conditions through the interaction of scientific and technological institutions, to the mutual benefit of the people. Also in support of the agreement, specific programmes and projects will be developed to enhance growth and innovation systems in both countries.

For more information contact: Andrew Aphane - Ministerial Spokesperson (South Africa) at 082 387 5615
Issued by Ministry of Arts, Culture, Science and Technology & Spain' S Minister of Foreign Affairs
12 May 2003