with Tunisia
30 May 2006
The Minister of Trade and Industry, Mr Mandisi Mpahlwa and the Tunisian
Secretary of State for Trade and Handicrafts, Mr Slaheddine Makhlouf hosted the
fourth session of the Tunisia and South Africa Joint Business Forum in Pretoria
yesterday.
In his opening address, Mr Mpahlwa reiterated that although the growth rate
in Africa has improved, it was still at the mercy of volatile commodity prices
because these are exported in raw form. He added that it was key for Africa to
beneficiate her own products and that Tunisia and South Africa could be pivotal
in this regard, given the significance of intra African trade.
As part of bilateral relations the two countries signed investment
agreements that will be ratified. The Minister said the stationing of the
African Development Bank in Tunisia would serve as a sign for business that
there is a lot that could be done between the two States. This is one
institution that is a key in developmental projects that Africa needs to
undertake, as it will present bankable projects for Africa to succeed.
The business forum aimed to strengthen and deepen trade ties between South
Africa and Tunisia while ensuring co-operation between business in both
countries to explore and identify existing opportunities between them. South
Africaâs commercial relations with Tunisia should be regarded in regional
context, because Tunisia is a platform to reach the North African market. Since
1993 the volume of trade between South Africa and Tunisia has increased
dramatically from R4 826 000 in 1993 to R65 217 000 in 2005 (R40 691 000
exports and R24 526 000 imports).
During the forum a memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed between the
Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Handcrafts of Tunisia (UTICA) and the
Chambers of Commerce and Industry South Africa (CHAMSA). Under the MoU a Joint
Business Council (JBC) will be established to promote the development of
bilateral economic relations between Tunisia and South Africa through trade and
investment.
Minister Mpahlwa accepted an invitation to visit Tunisia in September 2006
and will be accompanied by a strong business delegation.
For further information contact:
Bethuel Mnguni
Tel: (012) 394 1647
Fax: (012) 394 2647
Cell: 083 624 8888
E-mail: mediarelations@thedti.gov.za
Henriette van der Merwe
Tel: (012) 394 1640
Cell: 082 572 8184
Issued by: Department of Trade and Industry
30 May 2006
