Presentation to the Portfolio Committee on the

Transcript:Presentation to the Portfolio Committee on the:
Presentation to the Portfolio Committee on the Structured Bilateral Mechanisms undertaken in 2022/23 13 September 2023 South Africa strengthens and consolidates it’s political, economic and social relations through the outcomes of structured bilateral mechanisms (SBMs) and high-level visits. SBMs refers to numerous regularised and formalised meetings that South Africa has with other countries. These meetings usually take place in an agreed format and time frame pursuant to bilateral communiques, agreements and/ or technical committees dealing with issues such as global governance, Africa, strengthening trade and investment relations, tourism promotion, science and technology cooperation, etc. Ministers and senior officials of the departments concerned usually co-chair these sub-committees. SBMs are co-chaired from the Presidential level downwards. 2 INTRODUCTION The department aims to strengthen political, economic and social relations through structured bilateral agreements to advance South Africa’s national priorities, the African Agenda, South‐South, and North-South cooperation. The department embraces relevant national priorities by strengthening bilateral cooperation with individual countries, particularly through focussing on increasing exports of South African goods and services, foreign direct investment with technology transfers into value‐added industries and mineral beneficiation, and inbound tourism and skills enhancement. SBMs thus pave the way for cooperation in many sectors that, through these engagements, result in employment opportunities, technical skills, training and development and exposure to graduates, entrepreneurial opportunities to small and medium business to historically disadvantaged youth and communities. SBMs assist in the smooth transfer of goods and services across borders. These engagements contribute to the reduction of poverty and inequality, raising employment and investment. 3 BENEFITS FOR SOUTH AFRICA SA priorities are aimed at addressing the injustices of the past. The following reflect the contributions of structured bilateral mechanisms: In the provision of job opportunities, technical skills, training and development. There is an agreement that two countries work together to address obstacles to bilateral trade and to ensure closer coordination to maximise business opportunities and the diversification of trade and bilateral investments as drivers of job creation and the fight against inequality. The bilateral relations between South Africa and countries on the continent have yielded mutual benefits for citizens such as benefiting from African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) project. The structures provide opportunities to promote investment aftercare to South African companies. Investment in infrastructure such as small harbours will serve to contribute to socio-economic growth in surrounding communities further allowing for employment creation. 4 CONTRIBUTION TOWARDS ADDRESSING THE INJUSTICES OF THE