Press Release
14 May 2013
Deputy Minister Fransman arrives in Prague, Czech Republic, on a Working Visit
International Relations and Cooperation Deputy Minister Marius Fransman has arrived in Prague, the Czech Republic, ahead of a Working Visit scheduled for 15 May 2013.
During his visit, Deputy Minister Fransman will hold bilateral discussions with his counterpart, Deputy Foreign Minister Tomáš Dub. The visit will be utilised to strengthen bilateral political and economic cooperation.
It is expected that the two Deputy Ministers will review the status of bilateral relations, and exchange views on regional and multilateral issues of common interest.
South Africa and the Czech Republic enjoy cordial relations and have demonstrated this by an extensive exchange of high-level visits during which substantive issues are discussed. The last Senior Political Consultations between South Africa and the Czech Republic took place in Cape Town in March 2010.
Total trade between South Africa and the Czech Republic has significantly increased between 2006 and 2012 from R2.5 billion to R6.1 billion, respectively. South Africa’s exports to the Czech Republic experienced an annual average growth rate of 22% between 2006 and 2012 i.e. from R663 million in 2006 to R1.5 billion in 2012.
South Africa’s imports from the Czech Republic have also grown considerably registering an annual average growth rate of 25% between 2006 and 2012. These imports grew from R1.8 billion in 2006 to a peak of R4.6 billion in 2012. Thus, the trade balance is heavily skewed in favour of the Czech Republic.
Notwithstanding the trade imbalance, South African companies have shown considerable interest in the Czech economy. There are several South African companies operating in the Czech Republic.
For further information, please contact Mr. Clayson Monyela, Spokesperson for DIRCO, on 082 884 5974
ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION
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