Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs
Heads of South African Diplomatic Missions reaffirm the growing importance of Asia to South Africa.
The growing importance of Asia to South Africa, despite the current financial setback there, has been reaffirmed at a week-long conference held in Pretoria by the South African Heads of Mission in Asia from 19-23 January 1998. Heads of Mission based in thirteen countries and accredited to various other Asian countries were addressed by leaders and policymakers on matters such as globalization, economics, trade, investment, security matters and human rights.
The Heads of Mission also interacted with civil society and academics to prioritize South Africa's interest in Asia. As a direct consequence, it was emphasized that diplomatic engagement to introduce the peoples of Asia to South Africans and vice versa would be intensified in the short medium and long term. Mechanisms are in place for South African and Asian business people to explore the vast opportunities that exist in the respective regions. This will enjoy the highest priority in our economic diplomacy towards Asia.
Since South Africa's recent establishment of formal relations with most Asian countries, trade and investment with this region has increased dramatically, making Asia the second largest investor in South Africa. Exports to Asia also account for a quarter of South Africa's exports, having grown by 12% per annum since 1992. Bilateral trade with the region was more than R68 billion last year and shows tremendous potential for further growth.
With South Africa hosting the Non-Aligned Movement in August this year, relations between South Africa and Asian regions are set to grow in importance.
ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS PRETORIA 26 JANUARY 1998