Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs
The Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Aziz Pahad, will be visiting Hungary, the Czech Republic and Poland from 12 until 21 March 1996. He will be accompanied by Mr Tebogo Mafole, Deputy Director-General for Europe and the Americas.
During his discussions with decision-makers in the three Central European countries, Mr Pahad will be exploring possible measures to promote trade and economic ties. Compared with 1994, the total value of trade with Hungary increased by 164% and with the Czech Republic by 88%. With Poland the value of trade in 1995 represents an increase for 102% over the total for 1994.
Hungary, Poland and the Czech Republic are associate members of the European Union and therefore offer attractive opportunities for South African companies who wish to penetrate European Union markets.
In Prague, Deputy Minister Pahad will be meeting with South African heads of missions stationed in Central and Eastern Europe.
ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS PRETORIA
13 MARCH 1996