|
Deputy President Jacob Zuma Concludes
Visit to Turkey and Returns to South Africa, 16 October
2003
Deputy President Jacob Zuma today - Thursday, 16 October
2003 - arrived in South Africa following a visit to
Turkey during which he led the South African delegation
consisting of Deputy Ministers Aziz Pahad (Foreign Affairs),
Susan Shabangu (Minerals and Energy) and Lindiwe Hendricks
(Trade and Industry) in the first such high level official
visit to the country.
Bilateral consultations with the Deputy President's
counterpart, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan focused
on:
· The expansion and consolidation of bilateral
political and economic relations;
· The operationalisation of the African Union
and the implementation of NEPAD;
· Multilateral issues including post war Iraq,
the escalation of conditions in the Middle East, reform
of the United Nations, and the global fight against
international terrorism. In this regard, it will be
important to ascertain the position of Turkey on these
issues. Turkey is geo-strategically located in the region
and is a key player in many matters including the war
against Iraq.
During the visit the following agreements to consolidate
relations were signed:
· Agreement on Co-operation in the fields of
Education, Arts and Culture, Science and Technology,
Sport, Recreation and Youth Affairs; and
· Agreement on Police Co-operation.
While in Turkey, the Deputy President also laid a wreath
at the Atatürk Mausoleum, paid a courtesy call
on President Ahmet Necdet Sezer, and interacted with
a business delegation consisting of both South African
and Turkish representatives. In addition, to strategic
political relations, there exists significant potential
for bilateral economic co-operation between both countries.
South African imports to Turkey consist mainly of automotive
spare parts; woven pile and chenille fabrics; woven
textiles of synthetic fibres; sanitary paper articles;
small electrical home appliances; hazelnuts and motorcar
tyres. Foreign Direct Investment from Turkey into South
Africa amounts to US$ 60 million.
The Turkish economy is the 18th largest in the world
and our largest trading partner in the region.
Prior to the 2002 economic crisis it was the 16th largest.
The economy is open and Turkey has already entered into
Free Trade Agreements with 15 countries. The Government
is in the process of successfully implementing an IMF
backed economic stability programme. The economy grew
by 7,5% during 2002 and a growth rate of 4% to 5% is
expected for 2003. During 2002 the inflation rate decreased
from 80% to 30% and the target for 2003 is 20%. Turkish
exports increased by 30% during 2002.
:
Presently six Turkish companies, several of them household
names in this country, have set up plants in South Africa:
Zorlu - Kortex, Cankurtaran - Conti, Sumo Colliery SA,
Sesli, Uludag Blankets, Ahlesa Textiles. There are over
50 registered Turkish companies trading or providing
services in the tourism and restaurant sectors in South
Africa.
South African companies resident in Turkey are: Macsteel
in Istanbul; Grinaker Construction and Steinmueller
Africa are involved in civil engineering projects. Companies
with buying agents in Turkey are: Conlog; Mossop Western
Leathers; Harvey Roofing; Breathetex; Samancor; Sappi;
Sasol; Hulett Aluminium; Trident Midrand Steel; G. Mondiano
SA; Aquazure Hatcheries; BEC/Disavascular Medical; Karoo
Livestock Exports.
For further information contact:
· Nomfanelo Kota on 082 377 7208
· Lakela Kaunda on 082 782 2575
· Zanele Mngadi on 082 781 9332
Issued by the Department of Foreign Affairs
Private Bag X152
Pretoria
0001
16 October 2003
|
