| OVERVIEW OF BILATERAL RELATIONS
The South African Embassy in Madrid is accredited to the Kingdom of Spain on a resident basis and also has non-resident accreditation to the Principality of Andorra.
The work of the Embassy is focused on continuing to build on the excellent and cordial relationships we share with the kingdom of Spain and the Principality of Andorra. Our other areas of focus include the promotion of trade and tourism and creating an awareness of the uniquely diverse South African cultural environment.
Since the advent of democracy in South Africa in 1994, there have been significant advances in our country, however we are mindfully aware of the need to continue to deliver high quality services to our citizens and advance the living standards of all our people. Therefore, as an Embassy and part of the Department of International Relations and Co-operation (DIRCO), we take our lead from domestic priority areas which are the promotion of education and of health for all our peoples; the creation of jobs and poverty alleviation; rural development; and the combating of crime. Although these have been highlighted as key domestic priorities, they also link in very closely with continental priorities as identified by the African Union and the Millennium Development Goals.
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 of the African Union (AU), the New Partnership for African Development (NEPAD); and the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC).
Political
The continued development and maintenance of bilateral relations with the Kingdom of Spain and the Principality of Andorra are a priority for the South African embassy in Madrid with a specific emphasis on developing linkages and partnerships in support of South Africa’s five new national priorities as mentioned above. Trade and Investment promotion and tourism are particularly relevant in the context of job creation and poverty alleviation.
Economic
Bilateral Trade
Despite both countries experiencing the effects of Global economic down-turn Bilateral Trade between South Africa and Spain has moved into positive territory:
South African imports from Spain have increased by 44% from 62.376,6 Million Euros to 89 675,4 Million Euros over the period May 2010 to May 2011.
South Africa exports to Spain have increased by 38% from 73 517,7 million Euros to 101 713,5 Million Euros over the same period. I believe that this upward trend is sustaining itself during 2011 and I would very much like to see further growth in trade figures going forward.
Investment
There are many compelling reasons for Spanish companies to consider investing in South Africa given their strong experience in the field of infrastructure development and the renewable energy sector. South Africa is considered one of the most sophisticated and promising emerging markets, offering a unique combination of highly developed first world economic infrastructure with a vibrant emerging market economy. In this regard South Africa is widely considered a gateway to Africa. To get further information on these opportunities please click on the following link; www.dti.gov.za or contact the DTI office in the Embassy on econ@sudafrica.com.
Tourism
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 Embassy 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. Please visit our South African tourism web-site: www.southafrica.net to see how we can add value to your holiday plans.
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