Central African Republic (CAR) Friday 28 April 2006 at the Presidential Guest
House, Tshwane
27 April 2006
Tshwane - South African President Thabo Mbeki will on Friday, 28 April 2006,
host his CAR counterpart, President Francois Bozize, for bilateral political
and economic discussions, at the Presidential Guesthouse in Tshwane.
President Bozize's one-day working visit comes within the context of the
need to strengthen bilateral political and economic relations between the two
countries whilst consolidating the African Agenda.
Points for discussions between President Mbeki and President Bozize are
expected to include among others;
Bilateral issues:
* Re-structuring the Defence Force of the Central African Republic
* Energy supply
* Road transport and rural development
* Mineral exploration and assistance with the improved control of the diamond
industry
* The timber industry and strengthening the Congo Basin Partnership
Regional issues:
* Peace efforts in Chad
* The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the Great Lakes region
Multilateral issues:
* Humanitarian assistance for refugees in the North of CAR
* The African Union (AU)
President Francois Bozize is expected to conclude his visit to South Africa
on Saturday, 29 April 2006.
Economic relations
Bilateral trade with the CAR is in favour of South Africa and has shown a
slight decrease. The nature of South Africa's exports to the CAR includes
machinery, (mining, drilling and transport), spare parts, oil and
refrigerators. Imports are low due to lower demand from SA and scarcity of
export commodities in the CAR.
Diamonds and timber are the main exports from the CAR to South Africa. The
South African Diamond Company, De Beers, has established an office in the CAR
and is in the process of prospecting diamonds. Some small South African
companies and individuals are involved in mineral exploration in the CAR.
South Africa Trade with the Central African Republic (1999 - 2005)
South African Exports (Rand 000)
1999: 4,261
2000: 3,235
2001: 4,567
2002: 5,466
2003: 2,369
2004: 5,024
2005: 8,397
South African Imports (Rand 000)
1999: 363
2000: 17
2001: 134
2002: 1,127
2003: 4,465
2004: 843
2005: 1
Trade Balance (Rand 000)
1999: 4,258
2000: 3,218
2001: 4,433
2002: 4,439
2003: 2,096
2004: 4,181
2005: 8,396
Source: http://www.thedti.gov.za
Enquiries:
Ronnie Mamoepa
Cell: 082 990 4853
Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs
27 April 2006
Source: SAPA
