Ntopile Kganyago, on the Occasion of the National Day of the Kingdom of
Spain
12 October 2007
Your Excellency, Ambassador Ramon Gil-Casares
Excellencies of the diplomatic corps
Esteemed colleagues
Distinguished guests
Ladies and gentlemen
It is a pleasure and an honour to join all of you today in celebrating the
National Day of the Kingdom of Spain. On behalf of the South African government
and the South African people, I wish to convey my sincere best wishes to His
Majesty the King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia and my warmest greetings to the
government and the people of the Kingdom of Spain on this very happy
occasion.
Your Excellencies,
Spain is undoubtedly one of the success stories of the European Union. The
story of contemporary Spain is one of tremendously impressive progress in
building up a stable democracy and in putting in place measures that have
driven the rapid rise in living standards since it joined the European Union in
1986.
The outside world has watched with admiration as Spain diversified its
economy during the last decade or so, moving from an essentially agricultural
economy to one producing manufactures and providing services. Spain is now the
8th biggest economy in the world and the world's 4th largest foreign investor.
This is a truly remarkable achievement!
Economic relations between South Africa and Spain have grown markedly in the
past few years. Spain is now South Africa's 9th most important export market.
South Africa's exports to Spain in 2006 totalled Euro 1,4 billion (an increase
of 7,6 per cent on the 2005 figure. Spanish exports to South Africa grew by
16,9 per cent in 2006. In the past ten years South Africa's exports to Spain
increased by 274 per cent and Spanish exports to South Africa recorded a 300
per cent growth.
Despite the increase in two-way trade between South Africa and Spain over
the past five years and an increase of 1 473 per cent in Spanish direct
investments in South Africa between 2003 and 2005, opportunities to increase
trade and investment relations are plentiful.
Our political relations have become dynamic as shown by the frequent
exchanges of high-level bilateral consultations as well as by the active
political dialogue and collaboration in international fora.
Ladies and gentlemen,
Let us look forward to more exchanges between our politicians and officials,
our business persons and our professionals as these would more practical
content and expression to our bilateral relations.
Ladies and gentlemen, October is transport month in South Africa. Over the
next few years our government is embarking on an ambitious infrastructure and
investment programme, which will position our country as an investment
destination of choice and aims to step up economic growth, which will be shared
by all South Africans through increased development and employment.
In regard top transport infrastructure, I am glad to note that there is
increasing interest of Spanish business to explore investment opportunities in
South Africa with the main investment so far being that of Dragados y
Construcciones, which was involved in the construction of the N4 Bakwena
Platinum Highway in 2002. Dragados has invested more than R2 billion in the N4
highway project and has also brought in an additional R284 million foreign
direct investment into South Africa for this project.
The South African economy is certainly going to be an exciting place to be
in for the next few years.
Our government has often stated its vision for a better life for all and
hence a world that is different to the one presented to us, another world
especially on the African continent.
Spain is located at the crossroads of European and African civilisations. In
this regard, it is noteworthy that Spain views Africa as one of the most urgent
and critical challenges facing the global community. Spain's increased
diplomatic presence in Africa bears testimony to this. The inauguration of
'Casa Africa' (Africa House) in the Canary Islands is a most welcome initiative
and tangible evidence of the serious interest that Spain is now taking in
Africa. Casa Africa will be a focal point for cultural, social and economic
activities involving Spain and Africa. It will coordinate the efforts of the
public and private sectors in Spain to build relations with the African
continent.
Ladies and gentlemen,
Saint Isidore once wrote: "Spain is the most beautiful of all lands extending
from the West to India, for through her, East and West receive light."
Today may the light of our cooperation, solidarity and friendship inspire
all of us as we work to build a world that is more democratic, more open, more
free and at peace.
May I now invite you all to join me in a toast to the continued good health
of His Majesty King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia and to further enhancing the
friendship and cooperation between South Africa and the Kingdom of Spain.
Muchisima gracias!
I thank you
Issued by: Department of Public Works
12 October 2007
