25 January 2000
Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs
Deputy Foreign Minister Aziz Pahad and a South African delegation returned today, 25 January 2000, from a Council of Ministers Meeting of the Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional Co-operation in Oman (IOR-ARC).
The organisation has expanded from its original nucleas of seven to nineteen member states and four dialogue partners. The unique diversity of the resources of natural wealth, and the large population of the region, qualifies the Association to become one of the most important and dynamic in the world. "The admission of Japan, China, the UK and Egypt as dialogue partners is a tremendous vote of confidence in the organisation's ability to bolster social and economic conditions of the region", Deputy Minister Pahad said. The meeting discussed trade and investment facilitation and agreed to work on customs regulations, investment regimes, payment and clearing systems with a view to isolating areas which impede trade.
The association will also focus on among others, information exchange on economic activities and give priority in future discussions to double taxation, communication, transport and financial issues. The meeting recognised the importance of exchanging information in key areas such as electronic commerce, energy efficiency, biotechnology and food processing.
South Africa is currently involved in four projects of the Indian Ocean Rim work relating to the upgrading of ports and harbours, technology enhancement, human resources development and cross border financial services in the region.
Deputy Minister Pahad urged South Africans, especially those dealing with trade, investment, infrastructural development, fishing, agriculture and tourism to take advantage of the tremendous opportunities that are opening up.
He also held bilateral discussions relating to the promotion of economic links , agriculture and tourism with other participants, inlcuding the Omani Foreign Minister, Yousuf bin Alawi bin Abdullah. They also agreed to explore the concept of trilateral co-operation between South Africa, Oman and its neighbours in the areas of agriculture.
The double-taxation agreement between Oman and South Africa is expected to be finalised in March 2000, and a top level delegation of the Omani Chamber of Commerce is scheduled to visit South Africa during the course of this year.
The various groups of the Indian Ocean Rim Association will meet in Maputo in April 2000.
Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs
Pretoria
25 JANUARY 2000