The South African High Commission in Colombo is accredited to the Peoples Republic of Bangladesh on a non resident basis and also has non-resident accreditation to the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal and the Republic of Maldives.
The work of the High Commission is focused on continuing to strengthen excellent and cordial relationships we share with our countries of accreditation, namely Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal and Maldives. Our other areas of focus include the promotion of trade, investment opportunities, tourism and political relations, at the same time creating awareness about the uniquely diverse South African culture and traditions.
Since the advent of democracy in South Africa in 1994, there have been significant advances in our country, at the same time we are fully aware of challenges facing our society daily, hence we need to continue to contribute towards the delivery of essential services and advance the living standards of all South Africans.
The High Commission is part of the Department of International Relations and Co-operation (DIRCO), and we take our lead from domestic priority areas which are provision of better health care, creation of jobs, poverty alleviation; rural development; and providing safety and security to all our citizens. Although these have been highlighted as key domestic priorities, they are also link in very closely with the development of the African Continent as we believe that the future of South Africa remains inextricably linked to the future of the African continent and that of our neighbors in Southern Africa.
As a nation we are also aware that our region is important and we also seek in our engagements and interactions to create greater understanding of and international support for regional initiatives such as the African Union, the New Partnership for African Development; and the Southern African Development Community- regional economic integration.
Importantly for the South African High Commission in Colombo,
Asia is presently enjoying impressive economic growth and we believe that after Asia –Africa is the next big thing.
The Bilateral Section at the High Commission has a wide focus, including the following key areas:
Political
The continued strengthening and maintenance of bilateral relations with all four countries of accreditation is a priority, with a specific emphasis on developing linkages and partnerships in support of South Africa’s five national priorities as mentioned above. Trade and Investment promotion and tourism are particularly relevant in the context of job creation and poverty alleviation. A number of high level reciprocal visits are expected to take place this year, and they will be announced on the website.
The Consolidation of the African Agenda is central element of South Africa’s foreign policy. This, in brief refers to the socio economic advancement of the continent and to efforts aimed at bringing peace and stability. In this regard, the African Union is of pivotal importance. The African Union has adopted the view that socio-economic development cannot take place without peace and stability in Africa. South Africa continues to play a leading role in development and peace initiates across the continent.
Economic
The High Commission has established Mission Trade Desk (MTD) dedicated to promote trade and investment activities between the four countries and South Africa. As such, MTD is ready and willing to assist with all trade- and investment-related enquiries.
Activities in Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal and Maldives
- Strengthen and expand relations with the Ministries of Commerce and Economic Development, Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Associations of Industrialists and relevant business people.
- Organize presentations/workshops/forums on the trade and investment opportunities in South Africa
- High level and regular interactions with potential importers and investors, including provincial delegations
Maintain relations with South African companies trading or intending to investment in Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal and Maldives and also provide support and advisory services to visiting trade delegations and also maintain of database of companies.
Sri Lanka
Bilateral foreign trade between South Africa and Sri Lanka has increased over the years from $15million to about $40 million to date is expected to grow even further. Despite the world recession bilateral trade between the two countries will continue to expand given the present economic indicators in Asia and Africa.
Total exports from Sri Lanka to South Africa have increased from $10.41million to $15.6million an increase by 33.5%. Sri Lanka’s main exports are: Tea, Coconut, Rubber products, Plastic products, Cinnamon, Biscuits, Porcelain tableware, spices and Cashew nuts.
Sri Lankan companies are also involved in the following services sectors, Maritime (Port Management), Software solutions (Johannesburg Stock Exchange). Whereas imports from South African the other hand stand at $29.72million, indicating that the trade balance is in favor of South Africa.
South African main imports are: Beverages processed food, fresh produce, aluminum products, iron ore, chemicals, copper, paper products, fabricated steel, rubber products, high tech and industrial equipments.
South African companies are also involved in the following service sector: transport (Drivers license), beverage (bottling and canning). South Africans are also actively involved in the sports and advertising fields.
It is expected that more South African companies will enter the following sectors: property market, hospitality sector, pharmaceutical and education and training.
South Africa and Sri Lanka intend to enter into a free trade agreement and also conclude and sign an Air Service Agreement, paving a way for increased trade relations between the two countries.
Bangladesh.
Bilateral foreign trade with Bangladesh, according to recent trade data, exports from South Africa dropped by 34.50% in 2010 to $18.71million. Whereas imports from Bangladesh grew by 47.50% in 2010 to $41.88 million.
The High Commission is currently studying various ways to improve the current status of the trade deficit together with stakeholders in, Bangladesh and South Africa.
Bangladesh imports the following items from South Africa: Iron and steel, chemicals, aluminum, coal, non ferrous metals, news print, project equipment for use of power, ports and infrastructure products, machinery and equipment for Bangladesh railways.
South Africa imports the following items from Bangladesh: raw and finished jute, leather (bovine and tanned), textiles and garments and carbon black.
Bangladesh at the same time offers enormous investment opportunities for South African potential investors in various sector including, mineral based industries, exploration of natural gas, aluminum, energy such as power generation, transmission and distribution; leasing of gas based fertilizer plants and minerals exploration, port development and the construction of roads.
Nepal.
The bilateral relations between Nepal and South Africa have been marked by growing mutual trust and deeper understanding, economic relations is expected to be elevated to a much higher level with the establishment of the Nepalese Embassy in Pretoria in August 2009.
Nepal major exports to South Africa constitute, carpet, garments, paintings and drawings ,statuettes and ornaments, South Africa on the other exports aircrafts engines and parts, machinery, copper scrap, wine and juice.
South African investors have started to show interest in investment and technology transfer, the high commission together with the Honorary Consul continues to seek ways to improve trade relations between the two countries.
Maldives.
South Africa and the Maldives continue to seek the enhancement of trade relations between the countries, particularly as South African products are reputed to be of high good quality. At the same time South African has huge potential to be a major tourism market for the Maldivian tourism industry.
In addition to the above mentioned, the Maldives being a net importer of all sorts of consumer items, opens avenues for South African exports and services, including fruits, vegetables, meat, and poultry building materials. South African institutions of higher learning can also set up training centers since they offer internationally recognized degress and certificates. South Africa and the Maldives will soon conclude and sign an Air service Agreement that will pave a way for more flexible movement of goods and also bring in tourists from South Africa.
Tourism
Sri Lankan tourism to South Africa has shown significant growth since 2010, and the number is expected to increase by November 2011 to January 2012 about (Eunice to advice)….Sri Lankans visited South Africa as tourists. South Africa has developed an international reputation for its high levels of service and accommodation as well as for the variety and richness of the tourism experience it offers.
In addition to being renowned for its natural scenic beauty, South Africa offers unique opportunities to enjoy first-class safari experiences where the “Big Five” :elephant, lion, rhino, leopard and buffalo, in addition to a huge range of other animals can be seen in their natural environment. A wealth of information is available at www.sanparks.org.
Because of the sunny climate, South Africa is an outdoor paradise and provides a wide range of sporting opportunities such as golfing, diving surfing and sailing. For those who prefer a more restful trip, the beaches both on the Atlantic and Indian Oceans are spectacular and the Cape Wine Route is world renowned.
There are six UNESCO World Heritage Sites: The Cradle of Humankind, Robben Island, Isimangaliso Park (formerly the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park), the uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park, the Cape Floral Region, and the Mapungubwe National Park.
The High Commission undertakes various tourism promotion outreach initiatives, such as tourism fairs, to maintain interest and keep travelers interested in visiting our country. We are at your service and would be glad to answer any tourism-related questions and to prepare individual information packages tailor-made to your requirements.
The following resources are available to the general public:
- General advice and facilitation of enquiries
- Library with books on arts and culture, politics, cooking, and wildlife.
Websites of interest:
www.southafrica.net
www.flysaa.com 
