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South Africa has accepted an invitation to be a guest country at the Crans Montana Forum in Switzerland from 26-29 June 1997. The Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism, Dr ZP Jordan, is to lead the South African delegation to Crans Montana.

This is the first time that South Africa will participate at the Forum and our

The aim of the Crans Montana Forum, which is fully supported by the Swiss Government, is to introduce new and emerging markets to Western Europe. Around 1200 delegates from around the world are expected to attend the Forum. The guest of honour at this year's Forum will be Mr Rafk Al-Hariri, President of Lebanon. Special guest countries, along with South Africa, are Lebanon, Morocco, Egypt, Croatia, Estonia, Belarus and Kyrgystan. The Prime Ministers of Morocco, Croatia, Lithuania, Romania and Egypt are among the dignitaries to attend.

The Crans Montana Forum has established an international reputation as a facilitator for high level discussions between important politicians and economists. Being a guest country implies that some of the world's leading traders and investors will focus sharply (although not exclusively) on the South African economy, thus creating the opportunity to introduce and confirm the economic potential of the country to the international business community. Crans Montana is an ideal forum to facilitate networking between delegates.

The special focus at this year's Forum will be on TOURISM DEVELOPMENT. In addition to tourism, two other issues will also receive development of ports and airports, road networks, telecommunications etc) and LOGISTICS AND DISTRIBUTION (ie exchange and trade).

The Department of Foreign Affairs is in the process of compiling a business delegation to the Forum and interested parties are invited to join the South African delegation at Crans Montana. For further information, please contact Nico Fourie at tel: (012) 351 0142 / 082 4400 888.

More information regarding the Forum can be viewed at: Internet:http://www.cmf.ch

(NOTE: The media is invited to attend the Forum. Those interested should please contact Nico Fourie for details of registration procedures).

ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS PRETORIA, 9 JUNE 1997

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