Issued by: SA Communication Service
5 March 1998
WELFARE AND POPULATION DEVELOPMENT MINISTER GERALDINE FRASER-MOLEKETI IN VIENNA TO CEMENT TIES WITH AUSTRIA
In a move aimed at exploring government-to-government co-operation between South Africa and Austria in the fields of welfare, women's affairs, labour, and justice - South African Welfare and Population Development Minister Geraldine Fraser-Moleketi, arrived in Austria today (Thursday) on a start of a three-day official visit.
Minister Fraser-Moleketi, who has been invited by the Austrian Minister for Women's Affairs and Consumer Protection, Ms Barbara Prammer, arrived at Schwechat International Airport in Vienna this afternoon to be met by South African Ambassador to Austria Nozipho Mxakato-Diseko, Director-General in the Office of Minister Prammer, Dr J Hoffman, and Head of Protocol, Dr Lieselotte Paulitschke.
During her visit Minister Fraser-Moleketi will - among others - meet Austrian Minister for Labour, Health and social Affairs, Ms Elenora Hostasch, Justice Minister Dr Nikolaus Michalek and Minister for Women's Affairs and Consumer Protection, Ms Barbara Prammer.
The visit coincides with the build-up to International Women's Day celebrations in Austria. Tomorrow evening (Friday) Minister Fraser-Moleketi will address a Women's Day multi-media event entitled: "Women and new Technologies" at the Siemens Forum. Proceedings from the event will be screened on video, with women from European countries participating through personal computers, The minister is also expected to address Austrians on the situation of women in South Africa.
Seen against a backdrop of good bilateral relations between South Africa and Austria, and the role which both countries play in a regional context, the visit by Minister Fraser-Moleketi is crucial. It (visit) will also serve to heighten Austrian awareness and support for welfare and gender-related projects in South Africa.
Austria, which assumes Presidency of the European Union (EU) in July 1998 and planning to host an EU-SADC Ministerial meeting in Vienna in November this year - has good trade relations with South Africa.
South Africa is regarded to be the only African country with direct investments in Austria. Mondi has considerable interests in the Austrian paper and pulp industry through the Frantschach group. Mondi has invested some $250 million in the Austrian paper and pulp industry. In 1992, Mondi acquired 44% of Patria Pater in Frantschach, Carinthia (the largest Austrian private company) and has since increased its share to 50% (Mondi is now the majority owner).
South Africa exports to Austria reached $147,67 million in 1996 and SA imports from Austria reached $151,17 million in the same year.
An informal partnership between the Austrian Economic Chamber's Training Institute and Ntsika Enterprise Promotion Agency was established in 1996. Partnership focuses on developing human resources with a strong emphasis on strengthening entrepreneurial skills.
Mpumalanga and the Western Cape - have signed regional partnerships with two Austrian provinces.
Issued: Brian Sokutu, Press Secretary Office of the Minister for Welfare and Population Development Cell: 082-807-5397