Status on the Initiatives for the Sustainable Economic Growth and the Achievement of urgent Government Priorities of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation during the past Ten Months

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

FOR WRITTEN REPLY

QUESTION NO: 464

PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 4 OF 26 FEBRUARY 2010

Mr L S Ngonyama (Cope) to ask the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation:

Whether her department has in the past ten months launched any initiatives in support of sustainable economic growth and the achievement of urgent government priorities as stated in the medium term strategic framework; if not, why not; if so, (a) what initiatives, (b) who are the strategic partners, (c) what immediate benefits are meant to accrue from them and (d) which of the urgent government priorities will be immediately addressed?

REPLY:

Yes, the DIRCO has embarked on various initiatives in the past 10 months.

A)

All the mechanisms for bilateral relations are being audited and aligned with national interest as contained in the MTSF and the SONAs of Pres Zuma in 2009 and 2010. Naturally, the key focus is on 5 + 3 key priorities in the SONAs and underpinned by the MTSF.

My Department has actively engaged other countries in the promotion of the export of South African goods and services and, where appropriate, on inward investment and tourism, as well as the transfer to South Africa of prioritised skills and technology; also international cooperation in the fight against crime. 

B and C)

While many countries have been the focus of some or all of these initiatives, it is evident that countries which present large domestic markets for SA goods and services and/or have the financial means to acquire them or to make substantial investments in South Africa; or have high-tech skills, were the main focus of these initiatives.

The benefits sought include the creation of decent employment; the provision of better education and health services; and rural development, as well as improved crime fighting intelligence

D),

My department understands that ALL government priorities must receive urgent attention and therefore all priorities are urgently addressed in all bilateral mechanisms such as Joint Commissions.