for political consultations
5 October 2007
South African Deputy Foreign Minister Sue van der Merwe will on Monday, 8
October 2007, host her Polish counterpart Under-Secretary of State Witold
Waszczykowski for bilateral political, economic and trade consultations at the
Union Buildings in Pretoria.
The annual political consultations will take place within the context of
South Africa's priority to consolidate bilateral political, economic and trade
relations as well as multilateral relations with Poland.
Poland is regarded as one of the countries in Central Europe with great
strategic importance to South Africa. Poland is not only one of the strongest
role players in the political and economic arenas in Central Europe, but also a
new 'emerging' power in the European Union (EU).
Issues on the agenda of discussions between Deputy Minister Sue van der
Merwe and under-Secretary of State Witold Waszczykowski are expected to
include, among others:
* the status of bilateral political, economic and trade relations between
both countries
* skills development within the framework of Accelerated and Shared Growth
Initiative for South Africa (AsgiSA) and Joint Initiative on Priority Skills
Acquisition (Jipsa) will be discussed
* crisis and post-conflict situation in Africa
* United NationsâAfrican Union (AU) relations including collaboration in
peace-keeping efforts of the United Nations (UN) and the African Union
(AU)
* United Nations Security Council issues with a focus on the Balkans and the
Middle East
* preparations towards the European UnionâAfrican Summit in Lisbon, December
2007.
Bilateral economic relations
South Africa is among the top five African countries doing business with
Poland.
Bilateral trade between South Africa and Poland shows a healthy year on year
growth of 40,35%, and amounted to almost US$482 million with a trade balance in
favour of South Africa and exports from South Africa to Poland doubling. This
should be seen against the anticipated downward trend following adjustments to
trade figures after Poland joined the EU. Several South African and Polish
enterprises are playing an important role in the promotion of the economic
relations between the two countries.
South African foreign investment in Poland is concentrated in the brewing,
paper and furniture manufacturing sectors i.e. South African Breweries
(SABMiller) holds the controlling share in the company Kompania Piwowarska
(KP), a leading Polish beer brewer. Mondi Europe, a subsidiary of Mondi South
Afica, owns the largest pulp and paper mill in Europe which is based in
Swiecie, Poland. The JD Group linked to Steinhoff International, a South Africa
furniture retailer exports to the whole of Europe.
Although Polish investment in South Africa is not on the same level as South
African investment in Poland there are moves towards reducing the gab.
The Gromada Tourist Co-operative, the second largest tourist consortium in
Poland has not only invested in hotels in Cape Town but is also participating
in the outbound tourist market in South Africa. Companies involved in the
production of aircraft, heavy industrial equipment, and mine rescue systems,
and pharmaceutical and glassware are making their presence felt in the South
African market.
The main commodities in the bilateral trade remain the same. The main
exports to Poland during 2006 are machines, mechanical appliances, electrical
equipment and parts, mineral products, base metals, vegetable products,
vehicles, aircrafts, ships and related parts.
The main imports from Poland are machines and mechanical appliances,
electrical equipment and parts, base metal, metal articles, chemical and
related products, vegetable products, wood, other fibrous material, pulp,
cellulose and paper .products, plastic, stone, ceramics and concrete.
Media programme for visit to South Africa by Polish Under-Secretary of State
Witold Waszczykowski
Monday, 8 October 2007
10h15: Arrival of media ahead of photo opportunity on commencement of
discussions between Deputy Foreign Minister Sue van der Merwe and
Under-Secretary of State Witold Waszczkyowski
Venue: First Floor East Wing, Union Buildings, Pretoria
11h00: Bilateral discussions between Deputy Minister Sue van der Merwe and
Under-Secretary of State Witold Waszczkyowski
Photo opportunity
13h00: Arrival of media ahead of joint press conference by Deputy Foreign
Minister Sue van der Merwe and Under-Secretary of State Witold
Waszczkyowski
Venue: First Floor East Wing, Union Buildings, Pretoria
13h30: Joint press conference
Please make reservations and present press cards.
For further information contact:
Manusha Pillai
Cell: 082 389 3587
Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs
5 October 2007
