Press Release
23 August 2013
President Zuma undertakes Official Visit to Malaysia
The President of the Republic of South Africa, H.E. Mr Jacob Zuma, will undertake an Official Visit to the Federation of Malaysia to meet with the Prime Minister of Malaysia, Dato’ Sri Najib Tun Razak; to accept an Honorary Doctorate of Leadership from Limkokwing University; and to accept a Lifetime Award for Global Peace, on behalf of former President Nelson Mandela, from the Mahathir Global Peace Foundation.
President Zuma will be accompanied by Cabinet Ministers, including Ms Maite Nkoana-Mashabane, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation; Mr Collins Chabane, Minister of Performance Monitoring and Evaluation; Dr Rob Davies, Minister of Trade and Industry; Mr Malusi Gigaba, Minister of Public Enterprises; Ms Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, Minister of Defence and Military Veterans; Mr Derek Hanekom, Minister of Science and Technology; and Mr Ben Martins, Minister of Energy.
This year, South Africa and Malaysia celebrate the 20th anniversary of the establishment of formal diplomatic relations. During this visit, President Zuma and his delegation will have the opportunity to engage with the Malaysian Government on specific areas of interest between the two countries. These areas include, cooperation in training, education and skills transfer between the public entities of both countries; cooperation in the field of oil and gas, especially downstream industries; and science and technology. The two sides will also have an opportunity to review bilateral relations and exchange views on critical regional and global issues. South Africa and Malaysia share similar views on the importance of South–South cooperation, development of infrastructure in Africa and the reforms of global institutions of governance.
Malaysia is an important economic partner in Southeast Asia and remains the largest investor in South Africa from the region, with focussed investments in petrochemicals, telecommunications, real estate and hospitality. South Africa is the largest investor in Malaysia from Africa, with investments in petro-chemicals, insurance, food and beverages industries.
The delegation will also comprise leading South African business persons, who will attend the South Africa-Malaysia Business Forum, with a view to promote the further expansion of trade and investment between South Africa and Malaysia.
Total trade between South Africa and Malaysia has grown steadily from approximately R13.8 billion in 2008 to R19.7 billion in 2012. Total exports increased from R5.2 billion to R8.8 billion and imports from R8.5 to R10.9 billion in 2008 and 2012, respectively. By the end of 2012, Malaysia ranked as South Africa’s 23th largest export partner and 20th largest import partner in the world. On the Asian continent, Malaysia has become South Africa’s 8th largest export and import partner and South Africa remains Malaysia’s most important trade partner in Africa.
For further information, please contact Clayson Monyela, Spokesperson for DIRCO, on 082 884 5974.
Issued by: The Department of International Relations and Cooperation
OR Tambo Building
460 Soutpansberg Road
Rietondale
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