OVERVIEW OF BILATERAL RELATIONS
The South African Embassy in Vienna is accredited to Austria on a resident basis and also has non-resident accreditation to the Slovak Republic and the Republic of Slovenia.
The work of the Embassy is focussed on continuing to build on the excellent and cordial relationships we share with our countries of accreditation, namely Austria, Slovakia and Slovenia. 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, but we are aware of and prioritise the need to continue to deliver services 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 population; 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 such as the African Union, the New Partnership for African Development; and regional economic integration.
This year, South Africa will host the 2010 FIFA World Cup and we are Ready! For us, the 2010 FIFA World Cup is not a one-off event, but a platform that will create an ongoing awareness of the potential for trade, investment and tourism in our country. Our ten beautiful stadiums are ready and if you would like to see pictures and read more about the preparations, go to www.sa2010.gov.za.
Importantly for the South African Embassy in Vienna, two of our countries of accreditation, Slovakia and Slovenia are among the 32 qualifying nations. We hope that this will be an opportunity to welcome many fans to South Africa for the first time and that they will return again and again.
The Bilateral Section at the Embassy has a wide focus, including the following key areas:
Political
The continued development and maintenance of bilateral relations with all three countries of accreditation is a priority, 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. A number of high level visits are expected to take place this year, and they will be announced on the website.
The Consolidation of the African Agenda is central element of South Africa’s foreign policy. This, in brief refers to the socio economic advancement of the continent and to efforts aimed at bringing peace and stability. In this regard, the African Union is of pivotal importance. The African Union has adopted the view that socio-economic development cannot take place without peace and stability. Similarly, socio-
Economic
The Embassy is experienced in terms of the South African economic operating environment and is also up to date on trends and sectors in Austria, Slovakia and Slovenia. As such, they are well positioned to assist with all trade- and investment-related enquiries.
Activities in Austria, Slovakia and Slovenia
- Strengthen and expand relations with the Ministry of Economy, Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Associations of Industrialists and relevant business people.
- Organise presentations/workshops/forums on the trade and investment opportunities in South Africa
- High level and regular interactions with potential importers and investors, including provincial delegations
- Maintain relations with South African companies trading and investing in Austria, Slovakia and Slovenia
- Programme support to trade and investment delegations to South Africa
- Programme and logistical support to incoming South African trade and investment delegations
- Informing potential importers about South African National Pavilions at trade shows and exhibitions in their countries
- Maintain database
Austria
Bilateral foreign trade between South Africa and Austria steadily increased between 2003 and 2007, when the value reached a record level of € 945.2 million. As a result of the worldwide economic recession, it declined by 4% in 2008, a trend which continued during the first 11 months in 2009 when South African exports to Austria dropped by 28.2%, while Austrian exports to South Africa fell by 19.5%. This decline can be attributed to a severe slump in demand for South African exports of raw materials such as iron ore, South Africa’s most significant export to Austria along with manufactured products, while in the case of Austrian exports, the motor vehicle and machinery sectors were affected.
Some 34 Austrian companies are currently invested/have subsidiaries in South Africa, while four South African companies, MONDI, SAPPI, CAPESPAN and NET1 have investments in Austria.
Slovakia
Bilateral foreign trade with Slovakia was also affected by the economic crises worldwide and dropped from € 110.1 million in 2007 to € 79.6 million in 2008. The negative trend continued during the first 11 months in 2009, although South African exports to Slovakia showed a slight increase (+3.9%) during this period. Major SA exports to Slovakia are fresh fruit and vegetables, motor vehicles, and iron and steel. Slovak exports to South Africa consist primarily of motor vehicles, electrical appliances and telecommunications equipment.
To date, no Slovak companies are invested in Slovakia, while three SA companies, MONDI, SASOL and SA Breweries have direct investments in Slovakia. The Embassy is hoping to co-operate with relevant Slovakian agencies to arrange a trade and investment delegation to visit South Africa in the second half of 2010.
Slovenia
Figures for bilateral trade in 2008 amounted to €44.7 million, but dropped to € 19.6 million during the first 11 months of 2009, mainly as a result of a sharp slump of SA exports of ferroalloys, pig iron and coal. Major Slovenian exports to SA are pharmaceuticals, electrical household appliances and new pneumatic tyres.
Two Slovenian companies invested in South Africa. No SA companies are presently invested in Slovenia.
Culture
The Embassy has extensive resources and detailed information on all aspects of South African life, including culture and the arts. South Africa’s rich and diverse cultural heritage plays an important role not only in how we understand our history, but in how we define our modern rainbow nation.
It also plays a tangible role in shaping the South Africa of tomorrow, for example the craft and related trade sectors in South Africa, which include design, the performing arts, dance, film, visual arts, and cultural tourism serve as repositories of ancient and unique skills and knowledge, while providing gainful employment for approximately 1.2 million people. This includes women, young people and the disabled and thus lays the basis for the achievement of one of the five new strategic priorities of Government-job creation and poverty alleviation.
An interesting project in Vienna that highlights the African design tradition is the stool design competition that has been launched by Gallery Habari. Details about the competition can be found at www.habari.at.
Another cultural initiative in which the Embassy will be involved this year is a South African/Austrian jewellery and fashion design event, in conjunction with KulturAxe. It will take place from 4-10 June at Strandbar Herrmann and is in support of the Imfundiso Skills Development project in South Africa that trains young South Africans from historically disadvantaged backgrounds in jewellery design.
Ambassador Xolisa Mabhongo is one of the patrons of this event, which will feature exciting new designs from the talented young Imfundiso trainees.
The following resources are available to the general public:
- General advice and facilitation of enquiries
- Library with books on arts and culture, politics, cooking, and wildlife.
- South African newspapers
Tourism
Austrian tourism to South Africa has shown significant growth since the early 90s, when between 10 000 and 11 000 Austrian tourists visited us every year. Close to 23 000 Austrian tourists chose South Africa as their travel destination of choice in 2008. This declined slightly in 2009 due to the global economic downturn, but is expected to rebound in 2010, partly due to South Africa’s role as host of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. 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.
Websites of interest:
www.southafrica.net
www.flysaa.com |
