14 May 2006
The International Investment Council (IIC) convened for its 10th meeting
between 12 and 14 May 2006 at Mount Grace Country Hotel & Spa;
Magaliesburg.
The meeting analysed developments in the world economy with a special focus
on the South African economy.
The IIC noted the growth of the South African economy over the last 12 to 24
months as illustrative of the countryâs solid economic fundamentals coupled
with sound economic management. Consequently, the IIC reiterated its view that
conditions existed for South Africa to aim for a growth target higher than the
current 6% growth target by 2010. This would require the mobilisation of all
South Africans, especially the investor community, to commit to higher rates of
investment. At the same time, government needs to speed up implementation of
its infrastructure programme and work with other social partners to attract
more Foreign Direct Investments (FDI) in priority areas already identified and
other sectors of the economy.
Specific presentations and discussions covered the following issues:
* Progress on the implementation the Accelerated Shared Growth Initiative
for South Africa (AsgiSA)
* Progress on the Jobs for Growth initiative aimed at creating jobs in rural
areas through co-operatives and small business development with a special focus
on women (Jobs for Growth is one of the Second Economy initiatives of
AsgiSA,
* The Japanese experience on Small Medium and Micro Sized Enterprises
* The global energy situation and South Africa and Africaâs energy production
and distribution capacity
* Briefing on progress in the Doha round of negotiation in the World Trade
Organisation
* South Africaâs experience in the implementation of the African Peer Review
Mechanism
* Communication environment in SA and current challenges in marketing the
country abroad.
Members of the IIC expressed their appreciation at the focussed nature of
the discussions, which is a reflection of the evolution of the Council into a
body combining reflections on general strategic issues and discussion on
concrete challenges and solutions.
The IIC will meet again during the second half of 2006.
List of attendees to the 10th meeting of the International Investment
Council
President Thabo Mbeki, President of the Republic of South Africa
International Members of the ICC
Mr Masaki Miyaji, Corporate Advisor Mitsubishi Corporation
Mr Naill FitzGerald KBE, Chairman Reuters Group PLC
Dr Martin Kohlhaussen, Chairman of Supervisory Board of Commerzbank AG
Prof Dr h.c Juergen Schrempp, Former Chairman of the Board of Management of
DaimlerChrysler
Mr Ratan Tata, Chairman of Tata Sons Limited
Mr Percy Barnevik, Chairman of the Board of AstraZeneca PLC
Sir Samuel Jonah , Non Executive Chairman Anglo Gold Ashanti
Ms Anne Lauvergeon, Chairman of the Executive Board of AREVA
Mr.Lakshmi N. Mittal, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Mittal Steel
Company
Mr Viktor Vekselberg, Chairman Renova
South African attendees of the ICC
Deputy President Ms Mlambo-Ngcuka, Deputy President of the Republic of South
Africa
Minister Dr Essop Pahad, Minister in The Presidency
Minister Trevor Manuel, Minister of Finance
Minister Lindiwe Hendricks, Minister of Mineral and Energy Affairs
Minister Alec Erwin, Minister of Public Enterprises
Minister Thoko Didiza, Minister of Agriculture
Minister Dr Ivy Matsepe-Casaburri, Minister of Telecommunications
Minister Mandisi Mpahlwa, Minister of Trade and Industry
Deputy Minister Ms Elizabeth Thabethe, Deputy Minister of Trade and
Industry
Rev Frank Chikane,Director-General in The Presidency
Adv Mojanku Gumbi, Legal Advisor in The Presidency
Mr Joel Netshitenzhe, Chief Executive Officer: Government Communication and
Information Service
Mr Murphy Morobe, Deputy Director-General in The Presidency
Dr Ayanda Ntsaluba, Director-General of Foreign Affairs
Mr Lesetja Kganyago, Director-General of National Treasury
Ms Raisibe Morathi , Advisor to the Deputy President
Mr Goolam Aboobaker, Deputy Director-General PCAF (policy)
Mr Alan Hirsch ,Chief Director Economic Sector
Mr Masiphula Mbongwa, Director-General: Department of Agriculture
Mr Tshediso Matona , Acting Director-General: Department of Trade and
Industry
Mr Mxolisi Matshamba,Acting Deputy Director-General: Department of Trade and
Industry
Mr Sadiq Jaffer,Chief Director: Department of Trade and Industry
Mr Success Mavuso,IIC Secretariat
For more information, please contact: Mukoni Ratshitanga
Tel: (012) 300 5436
Cell: 082 300 3447
Issued by: The Presidency
14 May 2006
