South Africa and Turkey have recommitted themselves to further enhance trade and economic relations. The commitment was made today in Ankara, Turkey at the end of the second session of the Turkey – South Africa Joint Economic Commission (JEC) meeting.
South Africa's Minister of Trade and Industry, Dr Rob Davies and Turkish Minister of Energy and National Resources, Mr Taner Yildiz, who co-chaired the JEC signed a declaration on behalf of the two countries. The declaration speaks to the need to strengthening cooperation between South Africa and Turkey, both being emerging economies and geographically strategic countries in their own rights.
The declaration seeks to develop cooperation in a number of various areas including:
- Infrastructure Development
- Small Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMME) Development
- Special Economic Zones
- Mining and Energy
- Jewellery Making
- Agriculture
Minister Davies said the work around the designated areas of cooperation will go a long in deepening economic relations between the two countries.
For example, cooperation in infrastructure development could help to make the logistic system in South Africa more efficient and contribute positively to job-creation. Similarly, it is expected that cooperation in SMME development would lead to positive job-creating outcomes.
Davies said that the signing of the declaration coincides with Turkey’s search of expanding its trade relation with the African continent. He said that this search is not misguided as the International Monetary Fund projected more than five percent economic growth for the continent.
Economic relations between the two countries are governed by the South Africa – Turkey JEC. The JEC was established in accordance with Article 11 of the "Trade and Economic Cooperation Agreement between the Government of the Republic of South Africa and the Government of the Republic of Turkey". The 1st session of SA-Turkey JEC took place in Pretoria four years ago (from 31 March to 2 April 2008).
Enquiries:
Sidwell Medupe (Departmental Spokesperson)
Tel: 012 394 1650
Cell: 079 492 1774
E-mail: MSMedupe@thedti.gov.za
