Commission for the Economic, Scientific, Technical and Commercial Co-Operation
between the Republic of Cuba and the Republic of South Africa
9 November 2007
In accordance with Article one of the Agreement for the Establishment of the
Joint Commission for the Economic, Scientific, Technical and Trade Co-operation
between the Republic of South Africa and the Republic of Cuba, signed on 5
February 2001, the fifth session of the Joint Commission was held from 5 to 9
November 2007, in the City of Cape Town, South Africa.
The Cuban delegation was headed by Ing Marta Lomas Morales, Minister of
Foreign Investment and Economic Co-operation and the South African delegation
was headed by Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, Minister of Foreign Affairs. Experts
from various sectors attended several working meetings before the fifth
session.
The composition of the South African and Cuban delegations is appended as
annexures one and two to this document. During the opening session, the heads
of both delegations expressed their will to strengthen the existing
co-operation efforts between the two countries, acknowledging the results
achieved by the Cuban professionals, currently working in South Africa in the
various sectors of the economy.
Minister Dlamini Zuma reaffirmed the political solidarity and friendship of
the South African government and people with the government and people of Cuba.
Minister Dlamini Zuma requested Minister Marta Lomas Morales to convey warm
greetings to Commander in Chief Fidel Castro and at the same time wished him a
speedy recovery.
Minister Marta Lomas Morales appreciated and thanked the government and
people of South Africa for the continued support given to the Cuban resolution
against the blockade as well as the support to the struggle for the liberation
of the five heroes, jailed in United States prisons. During the fifth session
of the Joint Bilateral Commission, Minister Marta Lomas Morales paid courtesy
calls to the following Ministers:
* Minister of Social Development
* Minister of Housing
* Minister of Public Works
For the development of the fifth session of the Intergovernmental Committee,
the parties agreed on the following:
Work Agenda
1. Assessment and analysis of the Economic, Scientific and Technical
Co-operation during the period 2005 to 2007.
2. Approval of the Economic, Scientific and Technical Co-operation Programme
for the period 2007 to 2009.
3. Agreement on the date and venue of the sixth session of the Joint Bilateral
Commission.
Assessment and analysis of the Economic, Scientific and Technical
Co-operation during the period 2005 to 2007
Both parties acknowledged the positive development of the co-operation
relationship between the two States. The results achieved in the Public Works
and Social Development sectors were specially highlighted, in view of the
signed agreements.
Approval of the Economic, Scientific and Technical Co-operation Programme
for the period 2007 to 2009
On the base of the proposals and co-operation opportunities, the parties
identified, among the sectors of interest, the following areas for
co-operation:
I. Trade, investment and finance
Trade
The parties reiterated their concern for the current relatively low level of
trade between the two countries. In this regard, the parties agreed to continue
negotiations to conclude the Compensated Trade Agreement that Cuba proposed in
January 2006. In order to expedite the negotiations, South Africa requested the
Cuban side to provide the Draft Banking Agreement and to respond to South
Africa's communications, on products to be exchanged under the Compensated
Trade Agreement.
Also, in an effort to increase trade and investment between the two
countries, the parties agreed to continue to work together in areas of
biotechnology, pharmaceuticals and the Information Communication and Technology
(ICT) sector. Both parties expressed their satisfaction with the participation
of South Africa in the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Business Forum, as well as in
the 25th International Fair in Havana.
Investment protection
The parties noted with satisfaction the recently concluded negotiations on
the Agreement for the Promotion and Reciprocal Protection of Investment and
committed themselves to sign the agreement at the earliest opportunity.
Finance
The Cuban party explained to the South African party the reasons why there
has been little development in the Agreement for the Avoidance of Double
Taxation. Cuba expressed that once these matters are fully analysed in Cuba,
they shall be able to produce their statement.
II. Mining and energy
The parties expressed their satisfaction regarding the recently signed
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in energy saving and expressed their
intention to implement the programmes. The parties further agreed on a process
of establishing a Task Team in the field of mining and energy. In this regard,
the South African Party agreed to visit Havana during the last week of November
2007 to develop a possible pilot programme on energy efficiency in South
Africa.
III. Communications
The Committee shall continue to consolidate the efforts towards the
realising goals identified in the Memorandum of Understanding signed on 10 May
2006 and work towards the establishment of the South Africa/Cuba ICT Business
Committee, which will create a platform for interaction between the two
countries.
IV. Construction and infrastructure
Public Works
The parties expressed their satisfaction regarding the recently signed
Intergovernmental Agreement on the Employment of Cuban Technical Advisors. The
Cuban Party gave assurance that once the process of ratification of the
Agreement on the Cuban part is concluded they shall be sending the experts as
agreed as soon as possible.
Housing
The parties expressed their satisfaction with the success of existing
co-operation and their intention to continue co-operation in the field of
housing through extending the Agreement on the Employment of Cuban Technical
Advisors by the relevant provincial Departments of Housing for a further three
years. This will be undertaken through an Exchange of Notes. The Parties
further agreed to pursue new areas of co-operation in:
* the training of artisans
* applying alternative building technologies for housing in South Africa.
V. Water affairs
The parties expressed their satisfaction regarding the achievements of their
co-operation in this sector. The parties expressed their intention of
continuing the co-operation efforts, once Cuba concludes the analysis of the
South African Agreement proposal they shall send their modifications to it. The
parties expressed their interest with regard to the Minister of Water Affairs
and Forestry, Mrs Lindiwe Hendricks, leading a delegation to Cuba, with the
purpose of signing the new co-operation Agreement in the Management of Water
Resources, Water Supply and Sanitation, as well as to undertake the interviews
of the personnel pre-selected by the Cuban counterpart, within the first three
months of 2008.
The Cuban Party suggested the establishment of a bilateral exchange of
experts, as well as the identification of specific training courses, both in
Cuba and South Africa. The Parties agreed to exchange the list of courses that
can be offered, likewise the manner in which these shall be conducted.
VI. Health
The parties agreed to continue the level of co-operation with the current
number of Cuban professionals in South Africa, without an increase in numbers
or replacements, with the exception of the 24 professors already approved to
work for the Faculty of Medicine of Walter Sisulu University.
In addition to the already approved scholarships for Under-graduates, both
South Africa and Cuba have agreed to explore further co-operation in the new
programme to train medical doctors at community level in South Africa.
VII. Education
The Cuban Party expressed interest in the participation of a South African
delegation in the International Congress "University 2008" to be held in Havana
City from 11th to 15th February 2008. South Africa intends requesting
assistance from Cuba with the roll-out of its literacy programme, the form of
which has not been decided yet.
The Cuban Party is ready to offer technical assistance for the mass
implementation of the literacy programme of South Africa, as soon as the South
African Party defines what is necessary to carry out this assistance.
VIII. Sport and recreation
The parties expressed their satisfaction regarding the level achieved in the
co-operation in Sports. Cuba offered coaches and sports specialists in the
areas required by South Africa, as well as specialised technical assistance for
the organisation of the 2010 Soccer World Cup.
Both Parties took note that the 2007 to 2009 protocol in the field of Sport
and Recreation has been drafted by South Africa and is presently in the hands
of the National Institute of Sport and Recreation (INDER) and will be signed
once both parties reach an agreement.
The Cuban Party reiterated the invitation extended by the President of INDER
to the Minister of Sports of South Africa for the dates which may suit him.
IX. Agriculture
The Cuban party submitted to the South African party their proposal in
Spanish for modifications to the Intergovernmental Agreement in the area of
Plant and Animal Health measures. South Africa shall have it translated and
then study the proposal and shall indicate its decision, for its later possible
signing, via the diplomatic channel.
Cuba offered the possibility of technical assistance and exchanges of
specialists in the agricultural sector. The South African Party noted with
appreciation the offer and South Africa will consider the specific needs in
this regard. The Cuban Party requested South Africa to guide them on the
registration of the products produced and facilitate the registration of the
products produced and sold by LABIOFAM.
The South African party agreed to assist in this regard.
The Cuban party submitted to the South African party the following fields of
interest for collaboration:
* water use and irrigation management
* animal and plant improvement
* animal nutrition for sheep and goats
The South African party took note and undertook to facilitate contact with
South African experts in the above fields.
X. Arts and culture
The Cuban party will extend an invitation to the South African Minister of
Arts and Culture to undertake an official visit to Cuba during the
International Fair Cubadisco 2008 to be held in the month of May 2008.
The parties agreed to update each other, on a regular basis, regarding the
main music festivals that take place in their respective countries, and to
exchange information regarding Cultural Festivals, Workshops and other cultural
fora. The Cuban party will extend an invitation for a South African delegation
to attend the Festival "African Roots WEMILERE 2008".
Cuba offered technical assistance and advice in the following areas:
* management in cultural affairs
* community socio-cultural work
* design of cultural programmes
* contemporary and folkloric dance
* visual arts
* cultural heritage
* classic and popular music
The South African party took note of the offer and shall reply within 90
days via the diplomatic channel.
XI. Science and technology
Pursuant to the implementation of the Science and Technology Agreement
signed in March 2001 both parties wish to reaffirm their commitment to
developing the science and technology co-operation. In accordance with the
decisions made in the meetings held in Havana in April 2007 during the visit by
the South African Minister of Science and Technology.
The parties will continue concentrating in Biotechnology in the following
areas:
* vaccine development
* pre-clinical Drug Development Platform in South Africa
* centre for the Production of Lab Animals (Bioterium)
* bio-pharming
* exchange of expertise
* training of Human Resources
The South African Department of Science and Technology (DST) has requested
the Cuban Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment to be involved in the
Review Panel of the Biotechnology Strategy of South Africa. The parties will
continue with the discussions in this regard. The DST would also like to
involve Cuba in achieving the Ten Year Plan, particularly the Farmer to Pharma.
Once the implementation details of this grand challenge are finalised, Cuba
will be contacted.
The Cuban Minister of Science, Technology and Environment (CITMA) and the
Scientific Advisor to the State Council will be visiting South Africa possibly
during the month of March 2008. They will be accompanied by the team of experts
from various areas.
New research areas of co-operation in addition to Biotechnology will be
considered in future. Further discussions on the following areas are envisaged
to happen during the Ministerial visit to South Africa early in 2008:
* energy research
* climate Change
* new and advanced Materials
* ICT
* nanoscience/nanotechnology
XII. Environment
Both parties have agreed to pursue the finalisation of the draft
Co-operation Agreement on Environment Affairs as soon as possible.
The Cuban party offered the possibility of co-operation in:
* marine aquaculture projects in the areas of reproduction and fish
breeding, genetics, fattening, as well as diseases, and technology transfer
conducive to higher value added products.
* exchange knowledge regarding tilapia cultivation
* explore the possibility of supporting joint co-operation with Cuban/South
African business for farming in Shrimp Litopenaeus Vannamelli.
The Cuban party expressed its intention to invite South African Minister of
Environmental Affairs and Tourism to visit Cuba in 2008.
XIII. Justice
The parties agreed to conduct negotiations of the texts of agreements on
Extradition and Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters during the first
quarter of 2008 in Havana. The Cuban party welcomed the proposal that a South
African delegation will visit Cuba and will communicate through diplomatic
means the date on which the delegation will be received.
XIV. Labour/social development and welfare
Labour
The parties expressed their satisfaction regarding the concrete steps taken
in accordance with the Co-operation Agreement between the Cuban Ministry of
Labour and Social Security and the South African Department of Labour, signed
in March 2004, under which 20 South African specialists attended a training
course in Community Employment, in Cuba during June 2007.
The Cuban Party indicated their readiness to send experts to implement the
Pilot Programme to put into practice the skills gained by the South African
trainees.
Social development
The parties expressed their satisfaction regarding the newly signed
Bilateral Co-operation Agreement in the social development sector.
The South African side presented an Implementation Plan to the Cuban side,
incorporating the following areas:
* technical/policy experts exchange programmes
* seminar on social policy and research which will lead to the development of a
Poverty Eradication Strategy
* training on social services professionals which include the following:
- curriculum development collaborating with the Cuban Ministry of Labour and
the South African Department of Social Development
- rapid training programme for youth (Masupa-tsela).
The Cuban party received the proposed Implementation Plan for 2008 to 2009
and will respond as soon as possible.
XV. Transport
Cuba agreed to train 18 000 South Africans in all areas of transport over
five years, a letter of intent to this effect was received by the South African
party in October of 2006. In response the South African party offered a counter
proposal in a form of a MoU for negotiations between South Africa and Cuba. The
MoU will enable the South African Party the opportunity to deploy the necessary
financial resources for the project to become success.
The Cuban party has received the counter proposal of the MoU drafted by the
South African party that will be analysed and considerations will be sent by
Diplomatic means in a period of 90 days. The two parties agreed that in term of
this MoU, the technical expertise, technology exchange and capacity building
efforts will take place in South Africa and Cuba respectively.
Both parties agreed that the South African Department of Transport should
visit Cuba as soon as possible to discuss the following with their Cuban
counterparts:
* Memorandum of Understanding on Economic and Technical Co-operation,
Training, Skills and Technology Transfer in Transport Related Matters
* bilateral Air Services Agreement
* merchant Shipping Agreement
* MOU on the recognition of certificates of competency in terms of the STCW
'95
XVI. Scholarships
The parties agreed to continue with the training of South African students
in Cuba as per the Scholarship Programme for each academic year. Cuba ratified
the 60 annual scholarships for undergraduates in Medicine.
Date and venue of the sixth session of the Joint Bilateral Commission
Both parties expressed their satisfaction at the friendly, warm and frank
atmosphere in which the talks were conducted, which reflects the excellent
bonds of comradeship between the two States and people. The commission agreed
to hold a meeting at Secretariat level in Havana, during the second semester of
2008, in order to review the Programme of Co-operation. At the same time, they
agreed to hold the sixth session of the Joint Bilateral Commission in the City
of Havana, during the second semester 2009.
Done in the City of Cape Town, Republic of South Africa, on 9 November 2007,
in two originals in Spanish and English languages, both texts having equal
validity
On behalf of the Government of the Republic of South Africa: Minister of
Foreign Affairs Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma
On behalf of the Government of the Republic of Cuba: Marta Lomas
Morales
Minister of Foreign Investment and Economic Co-operation
Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs
9 November 2007
