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Minister Dlamini Zuma to Host French
Foreign Minster, Michael Barnier for Bilateral Discussions
on Wednesday, 28 July 2004
Pretoria - South African Foreign Minister, Dr. Nkosazana
Dlamini Zuma will host her French counterpart, Minister
Michael Barnier for bilateral political and economic
discussions at the Presidential Guesthouse, Pretoria
on Wednesday 28 July 2004.
The bilateral discussions are expected to focus among
others on:
- Conflict resolution in Africa with a focus on Cote
d' Ivoire, Sudan and Great Lakes
- Middle East peace process
- Developments in Iraq
- Reform of the UN
- 2010 World Cup
Minister Barnier is on a four-nation African visit
to South Africa, Sudan, Senegal and Chad. Following
political consultations with Minister Dlamini Zuma,
Minister Barnier will have an opportunity to pay a courtesy
call on President Thabo Mbeki.
Bilateral Economic Relations
- France is among South Africa' s ten most significant
economic partners (ODA, trade and investment and R&D).
- Exports to France decreased to R5,1 bn for 2003
(from R6,8 bn in 2002) and imports increased to R15,5
bn (from R11, 3 bn in 2002).
- France is the 9th foreign direct investor to South
Africa ($531 m or R 3bn).
- The SA subsidiary of French Air Liquide has entered
into a joint venture with Community Investment Holdings
(formerly known as Malesela Group) to form a new empowerment
company, Air Liquide Healthcare.
- Both companies have equal stakes and are set to
be the first direct empowerment deal between a foreign
company and a local company.
- The new company will supply medical gas registered
with the Medical Control Council, as well as provide
equipment and services into the high growth health-care
industry.
- · France is a major tourism partner.
Issued by Ronnie Mamoepa at 082-990-4853
Department of Foreign Affairs
P/Bag X152
Pretoria
0001
27 July 2004
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