South Africa, Malawi to discuss bilateral trade

Pahad with his Malawian counterpart, Deputy Minister Henri Mumba will co-chair the first session of the JCC.

This is within the context of South Africa's priority to strengthen bilateral political, economic and trade relations with Malawi and consolidate the Southern African Development Community (SADC) developmental agenda.

The session will start on Tuesday, 10 June, and end on Wednesday, 11 June 2008.

The South Africa's “Global Economic Strategy” places great importance on it engagement with countries in Africa and SADC in particular, as it is believed that the country's economy is inextricably linked with those of other SADC members.

In this regard, both countries regard the establishment of this JCC vital to strengthen relations and to create an environment for a more focused and well coordinated engagement in the areas of trade, tourism, mining, sports, culture, technology, health and agriculture.

In this way, bilateral relations will move to a higher footing and is expected to yield greater benefits for both countries, the department said in a statement.

The JCC will plan and implement bilateral programmes of cooperation while undertaking studies and surveys in the fields of common interest, including:

· Agriculture and livestock;
· Trade, industry, mining and tourism;
· Monetary and financial arrangements;
· Development of transportation and communication facilities, roads and other infrastructure of the two countries;
· Joint development and utilisation of natural and energy resources;
· Health, education and development and utilisation of human resources; Institutional development; and
· Nature conservation and other environmental matters of common concern.

In 2007, Malawi was South Africa's 10th largest export destination in Africa, seventh in the SADC region and ranked eighth with regard to imports from Africa, seventh in the SADC region.

Departments which will be participating in the JCC include the Department of Agriculture, Arts and Culture, Home Affairs, Science and Technology, Transport, Environmental Affairs and Tourism, Trade and Industry, Minerals and Energy, Defense, Social Development and Health.

Article published courtesy of BuaNews