17 October 2002
Trade relations between South Africa and Mexico received a boost with the announcement of the appointment of Mr Malcolm Ferguson as South Africa's new ambassador to Mexico with immediate effect and the decision by Mexican authorities to open an office of the Mexican Foreign Trade Bank in Pretoria. Malcolm Ferguson was the Chief Director on the Middle East Asia Branch the Foreign Affairs Department in Pretoria.
The details emerged during the bilateral meeting held between Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma and her Mexican counterpart Dr Jorge Castaneda in Mexico on Wednesday 16 October. Minister Dlamini Zuma held the meeting with Dr Castaneda with a view to strengthening and consolidating political and economic relations between South Africa and Mexico and to promote the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD)
South Africa is Mexico's largest trading partner in Africa with SA's exports to Mexico totalling R980 253 834 million whist imports from Mexico total R455 551 477 million by the year 2000. SA exports iron and steel; aluminium; paper and paperboard and articles of paper pulp. South Africa's imports include mineral fuels and mineral oils; electrical machinery and equipment; beverages; spirits and vinegar.
It is hoped the appointment of the new Ambassador and the opening of a trade bank will enhance trade relations between countries.
South Africa and Mexico's political relations are cordial and have seen co-operatiob on a number of areas particularly on the multilateral fromt with specific reference to the World COnference Against Racism (WCAR) and the recently held World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD).
A number of high level visits have taken place between the two countries including the recent visit by President Thabo Mbeki to attend the UN Conference on Financing for Development and Deputy President Jacob Zuma's official visit in May 2001. Mexican President Vicente Fox attended the WSSD in Johannesburg while the Mexican Deputy Minister of Arts and Culture visit South Africa in May 2002 to attend a preparatory for the International Network for Cultural Policy.
Minister Dlamini Zuma is expected to pay a courtesy call on Mrs. Marta Fox, Mexican First Lady on Thursday 17 October 2002. While in Mexico, the Minister will also attend the International Women's Forum Conference where she will be honoured with the "women Who Make a Difference" award on Saturday 19 October 2002.
Issued by Department of Foreign Affairs