Meeting
21 June 2006
South Africa will host the Southern African Development Community (SADC)
Integrated Committee of Ministers (ICM) meeting at the Sandton Convention
Centre in Johannesburg from Thursday to Friday, 22 - 23 June 2006. In this
regard, South Africa will be represented by Minister Mandisi Mpahlwa and Trevor
Manuel.
The ICM is the SADC organ that is responsible for policy direction planning
and implementation of SADC Programmes and Projects including reviewing progress
made thereof.
South Africa will host this meeting within the context of its stated
commitment to consolidate the African Agenda through among others participation
in SADC institutions.
This ICM annual meeting is significant as it will be the first meeting after
the adoption of the Windhoek Declaration, a framework redefining the
relationship between SADC and its International Co-operating Partners (ICPs)
for more effective development co-operation.
Issues on the agenda of discussions will include, among others:
* Infrastructure and services the ICM will receive reports on the
implementation of various projects and programmes in energy, tourism,
transport, communication & meteorology and water sectors and is expected to
approve a number of priorities for this sector, including the implementation of
a competitive electricity market and the trading system and the associated
ancillary services market and balancing mechanism.
* Food, agriculture and natural resources the ICM will receive progress
reports on the overall Food Security Situation in the region
* Trade, Industry, Finance and Investment the ICM will consider progress on
the seven priorities approved for 2005, namely, the Facilitation of goods and
services market integration; Enhancing financial and capital markets
development; Facilitate attainment of deeper monetary cooperation; Facilitate
attainment of macroeconomic convergence; and Increasing levels of intra-SADC
investment; Foreign Direct investment; Enhancing productive competitiveness;
and Facilitate Effective participation in and compliance with international
multilateral trade agreements.
* Social and Human Development the ICM will look at the continued progress
in addressing challenges and potential hindrances to equitable access to
quality social services including education and health through the coordination
of common policy approaches and mobilization of resources as well as for
strategic partnerships with key stakeholders.
The ICM is expected to conclude on Friday, 23 June 2006.
Enquiries:
Ronnie Mamoepa
Cell: 082 990 4853
Media programme for the SADC Integrated Committee of Ministers meeting
Thursday, 22 June 2006
09h00
Arrival of media for opening plenary of the SADC Integrated Committee of
Ministers Meeting
Venue: Sandton Convention Centre, Corner Fifth and Alice Lane Sandton Gauteng
(Accreditation required)
Contact: Manusha Pillai on 082 389 3587
09h30
Opening plenary of SADC ICM
Media in attendance for introductory remarks
Photo opportunity
Friday, 23 June 2006
17h00
Arrival of media ahead of press conference on conclusion of SADC ICM
Venue: Sandton Convention Centre Corner Fifth and Alice Lane Sandton, Gauteng
(Accreditation required)
Contact: Manusha Pillai on 082 389 3587
18h00
Press Conference
Note
Media will not be allowed access to the events unless accreditation has been
received.
The Accreditation Centre will be open from Tuesday, 20 June 2006 at 14h00
until 18h00.
From Wednesday, 21 June 2006, to Friday, 23 June 2006, the Accreditation
Centre will be operating from 08h00 to 18h00.
All journalists will be accredited at the Sandton Convention Centre.
A valid passport or national identification document must be produced.
For further information contact Manusha Pillai on 082 389 3587.
Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs
21 June 2006
Source: SAPA
