MINISTER NGUBANE ON ISAD CONFERENCE

Issued by: SA Communication Service

STATEMENT ISSUED BY MINISTER BEN NGUBANE, MINISTER OF ARTS, CULTURE, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AT THE ISAD CONFERENCE ON TUESDAY 14 MAY 1996.

The Information Society and Development (ISAD) Conference has been a wonderful opportunity for South Africa, and the Minister of Arts, Culture, Science and Technology in particular, in engaging in extensive discussions with the European Union, the G7 countries and delegations from developing countries.

Today Minister Ngubane met with the Japanese Vice Minister of International Trade and Industry, Kazataka Tsuboi who supported Cape Town's bid for the 2004 Olympics and who is the Chairperson of the Executive Committee in Japan of the Fund Raising Campaign to hold the Olympics in Africa.

In addition the following issues were raised and there was agreement on:

• South Africa/ Japan co-operation in science and technology development.
• Stimulation of Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMME'S) through scientific services, in particular the Internet.
• Exposure of South African art in Japan, especially through the Internet, using the Cape Town based contemporary African Music and Arts Archive (CAMAA), a much neglected area.
• Through Japanese multinational companies working in South Africa, further discussions will take place to promote joint ventures with South African SMME's and small business development.

This should have benefits for mutual understanding, and aiding science and technology.

Discussions were also held with the European Union, in particular Commissioner Cresson. The negotiations on the agreement between the European Union and South Africa on scientific research and technology development are at an advanced stage.

The European Union Framework for Scientific and Technological Co-operation with Developing Countries has now allowed South African participation as a developing country, in recognition of the dual nature of the South African economy.

Under this programme we have already approved eight (8) programmes, four (4) for health research, and four (4) for agricultural research amounting to R7 million which will be spent on scientific and technological research in South Africa.

Furthermore, future programmes promoting youth development and capacity building in historically disadvantaged communities were discussed.

Commissioner Cresson invited Minister Ben Ngubane to include South African scientists in the research task groups established by the European Union.