Item 1450 - Background briefing on Mandela's State visits : State visit by President Nelson Mandela to Malaysia, Singapore, Philippines and Brunei 1-8 March 1997

TRANSCRIPT

BACKGROUND BRIEFING
President Mandela's visit to the South East Asian countries of Malaysia, Singapore, Philippines and Brunei will consolidate the friendly ties that have been forged with democratic South Africa. It is also aimed at harnessing the potential for expanded co-operation between South Africa and South East Asia which would impact positively on future relations between the ASEAN countries and the SADC region.
There will be several meetings with business aimed at securing further investments and trade as well as exploring the potential for increased co-operation and economic links. These include a business lunch with the Philippines Chamber of Commerce and Industry and a keynote address to the Malaysian National Chamber of Commerce and Industry. President Mandela will deliver the 16th Singapore lecture, a prestigious annual event broadcast live across the world. State banquets, visits to historical monuments and meetings with various political leaders are also part of the agenda.
SOUTH EAST ASIA AND SOUTH AFRICA
The South East Asian countries are assuming greater importance in the economic development of the world and consequently also in international affairs. Their rapid growth, technological advancement and extensive infrastructural development within a framework of strong regional organisation hold important lessons for developing countries. There is also vast potential for South Africa to increase trade and bilateral co-operation with countries of this region.
Economic Relations Malaysia
Malaysia has recently experienced a high growth rate, allowing steady diversification and exporting of manufactured goods. Malaysia views South Africa as a favourable emerging market and is the fourth largest investor in South Africa. Prime Minister Mahathir took a personal interest in focusing business and governmental attention on South Africa and in so doing influenced other South East Asian countries.
Malaysia is the main buyer of South African weaponry in the ASEAN region. Potential for further exports includes fruit products, construction contracts, industrial machinery, telecommunications and chemical products.
Agreements on trade, investment protection and double taxation are envisaged this year, to enhance the climate for trade and investment.
Singapore
There is increasing co-operation between South Africa and Singapore with no less than 25 ministerial or official visits from South Africa to Singapore during 1996. The Prime Minister's current visit to South Africa, on the eve of President Mandela's visit to Singapore, includes a large business delegation.
While total trade has been increasing in recent years, South African exports have made a particularly strong jump. Singapore investments total just R250 million but none of it comes from Singapore's Government Linked Companies which command substantial investment resources. Potential for great investment exists, for example, through the Maputo Development Corridor. This trip also supports attempts to promote Singapore's interest in the rest of Africa as an investment venue.
A Singaporean Technical Assistance Programme initiated by President Mandela during a brief visit to Singapore in 1995 is underway, including civil aviation, public service reform and information technology training.
Philippines
Trade and bilateral co-operation is steadily increasing. The most promising areas include joint ventures in tourism infrastructure and export of coal.
Armscor is involved in a marine surveillance project to combat poaching of Philippine marine resources, while investigations with South African companies are underway to examine the construction of a coal handling terminal on Mindanao island.
Investment, trade, tourism and air services agreements are being negotiated along with the expansion of diplomatic ties.
Brunei
The recent establishment of diplomatic ties between Sond Brunei paves the way for direct trade and increased co-operation. There are potential markets in Brunei for manufactured goods, consumer goods, agricultural products and equipment and chemica expressed interest in South Africa's infrastructural and construction capacities.
Brunei's strong position in the ASEAN could also be benefit to South Africa. Diplomatic relations
Full diplomatic relations were established between South Africa and Malaysia in November 1993, and High Commissions established in Pretoria and Kuala Lumpur.
The South African High Commissioner in Malaysia is also accredited to the Philippines and to Brunei with whom formal diplomatic relations were established in 1994. The Philippines has had a resident embassy in South Africa since 1994.
South Africa is the only African state other than Egypt where Singapore has diplomatic relations. Singapore's High Commissioner for South Africa services the Southern African region.
South Africa shares membership of the Commonwealth with Singapore, Brunei and Malaysia.
TRADE STATISTICS (R Millions)
Year SOUTH SOUTH Total AFRICA AFRICA Trade Imports Exports Singapore 1993 787,6 428,0 1,215,6 1994 994,2 459,9 2,301,0 1995 1,176,1 1,124,9 2,301,0 Malaysia 1993 581,8 27,4 609,2 1994 747,7 342,8 1,090,5 1995 890,5 658,9 1,549,4 Philippines 1993 74,5 163,5 238,0 1994 84,8 166,3 251,1 1995 78,0 173,4 251,4 Brunei 1993 59,7 78,5 138,2 1994 76,2 88,8 165,0 1995 98,5 101,5 200,0
MAIN EVENTS IN THE PROGRAMME Saturday, March 1, 1997
Arrival in Philippines Bilateral discussions, press conference with President Ramos courtesy call by Corazon Aquino State dinner
Sunday, March 2, 1997
Wreath laying ceremony at Rizal monument President Mandela receives Doctorate from University of Philippines business lunch with Philippines Chamber of Commerce and Industry Mindanao Peace advocates and state officials visit President Mandela
Monday, March 3, 1997
Depart for Brunei Arrival ceremonies by Minister of Foreign Affairs Audience with His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Bilateral discussions State Banquet
Tuesday, March 4, 1997
Visit to Historic Water Village Private dinner with His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Wednesday, March 5, 1997
Arrival in Singapore Courtesy call on President Ong Teng Cheong Naming of orchid after President Mandela at National Orchid Gardens Courtesy call by Senior Minister, Lee Kuan Yew State dinner hosted by President of Singapore
Thursday, March 6, 1997
Interview by Television Corporation of Singapore President Mandela delivers 16th Singapore Lecture Arrival in Malaysia, met by the Prime Minister Welcoming ceremony at Parliament square State banquet
Friday, March 7, 1997
Bilateral at Prime Ministers office, signing of agreements Tour of PROTON Automobile plant, Shah Alam President speaks at Institute of Diplomacy and Foreign Relations Courtesy call by Deputy Prime Minister Reception hosted by South African High Commissioner
Saturday, March 8, 1997
Keynote address to the Second Malaysia South Africa Business Forum Visit to KLCC twin tower Lunch with National Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia; and launch of Malaysia/South Africa Business Council Farewell audience with His Majesty the Yang di-Pertuan Agong