Programme Director,
MEC: Economic Development: Mr Mike Mabuyakhulu,
Minister of Civil Aviation & Meteorology of the Republic of Chad: Ms Haoua Acyl Ahmat,
Minister of Transport of Trinidad & Tobago Mr Stephen Cadiz,
Your Excellencies,
Ambassadors and High Commissioners,
Deputy Mayor Ms Nomvuzo Tshabalala,
The President of ICAO: Dr. Olumuyiwa Benard Aliyu,
The Secretary-General of ICAO in Absentia: Mr Raymond Benjamin,
The Secretary-General of AFCAC: Ms. Iyabo O. Sosina,
The Secretary General of the African Airlines Association: Dr. Elijah Chingoshi,
COMESA-EAC Director: Mr Amos Marawa,
IATA Representative: Mr Chartan Jain,
Aviation Industry Experts,
All protocol observed.
On behalf of the President of South Africa, His Excellency Mr Jacob Gedleyihlekisa Zuma I bid you welcome to the land of the beautiful, scenic and sunny South Africa. The convening of the 2013 International Civil Aviation Negotiations Conference in South Africa is indeed a great honour and privilege for the Government and people of South Africa.
Unfortunately the event takes place at a time when South Africa faces one of the darkest moments because of passing away of our most beloved leader and the father of our nation Tata Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela.
Over time South Africans have had to endure many arduous trials but throughout these this nation has dug deep and has remained resolute and have been able to continue to move on. As difficult as it may be, we will overcome this solemn moment, as our beloved Madiba would expect us to do.
Our people fully understand and accept that this favourite son of South Africa was shared with the entire world. We acknowledge the enormous support and the manner in which the leaders and people from all over the world are celebrating his life.
In reflecting on his life and his sacrifices there is one distinct characteristic that personifies him as the rare quality of humility.
Humble to the core.
His life story will show many a great moment where his great sense of humanness gave rise to decisions and actions that shaped the future of our country and which undoubtedly will remain engrained within the very fibre that makes South Africa the country that it is.
Paramount to this would be South Africa's domestic and foreign policy. South Africa's conduct in international relations is underpinned by the values enshrined in our Constitution and principles that underpin our foreign policy which includes the commitment to internationally agreed upon mechanisms.
South Africa views multilateralism as the essential response to managing globalisation and the deepening interdependence of national economies.
To this extent we remain committed to the African Renaissance and the strengthening the multilateral system and its support for addressing the pressing social and economic needs of Africa and the rest of the developing world.
It is our conviction that multilateral cooperation is more relevant than ever before in seeking equitable solutions to global problems, especially through the UN system and South Africa along with our other African compatriots will continue to promote the increased alignment between the developmental agenda of Africa and the South as well as the agenda of global organisations.
Given the critical role that aviation plays in the world economy and the importance of creating a better world for our generation and generations to come, we are confident that the negotiations that will be dealt with during these procedures will b400 billion dollars a year to world Gross Domestic Product directly and approximately 900 billion dollars if we add indirect and induced impacts.
There is no doubt that aviation has become the primary means of moving people and high-value freight around the world. To date over 2 billion passengers and about 45% of interregional exports by value now travel by air. The sector directly employs over 6 million people or about 32 million around the world, if we include all jobs linked to air transport.
Air transport's impact on Africa is also significant.
It generates more than 500 000 direct and indirect jobs across Africa, contributing over 12 billion dollars to African GDP. If we add sectors such as tourism that have their existence to the air transport sector, then the number of jobs increases to about 4 million and the contribution to GDP increases to over 60 billion dollars. Africa airlines directly employ over 90 000 people.
Ladies and gentlemen,
In its 2013 forecast released last year the International Air Transport Association (IATA) said global airlines were expected to post an industry profit of 12 billion dollars this year. This again reiterates and emphasises the critical role these international civil aviation negotiations will play going forward.
You may recall that the first ICAN conference held in Dubai from in November 2008, the Conference which brought together 27 States from Africa, Asia, Europe, Middle East and North America saw more than a
hundred formal and informal bilateral meetings taking place. This led to the conclusion of over 20 air services agreements in a span of of just three days.
We are confident that this week long engagement will result in robust discussion and exchanges and that the forum continues to serve as an integral part of the ICAO strategy.
I wish to take this opportunity to congratulate the Dr Aliu the newly elected President of the ICAO Council. South Africa along with the rest of the African continent endorsed your candidature and once commits our full support in the fulfilment of the strategic objectives of ICAO and its member states.
Mr President, due to events that will be held in memory and honour of our beloved Madiba I will not be able to stay for the duration of this conference.
I would like to extend sincere good wishes for a productive and enjoyable stay in our beautiful country.
I thank you!
