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8 November 2005

The Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry, Ms Elizabeth Thabethe, will lead a small, medium and micro enterprise (SMME) business delegation to Algeria from 10 to 14 November 2005. The delegation will comprise of small business people from agro-processing, construction, minerals, energy and tourism.

The aim of the visit is to convene the inaugural SMME Forum, which was committed to during the Fourth Bi-National Commission that took place in South Africa in October last year.

According to the Director for North Africa and Middle East at the dti, Sihle Shange, Deputy Minister Thabethe will also sign a co-operation agreement on SMMEs with Algeria. She also will meet her counterpart and other stakeholders from the SMME sector in Algeria

"In general, Deputy Minister Thabethe's visit to Algeria will expose the South African companies to opportunities in Algeria. Algeria is the only country in North Africa with which South Africa has a Bi-National Commission (BNC) at presidential level. South Africa's objectives in its relations with Algeria is based on two major considerations, namely to give substance to the vision of an African Renaissance, as well as maintaining and furthering South Africa's own national interests," said Shange.

Enquiries:
Bongani Lukhele
Cell: 083 291 8689
Tel: (012) 394 1643

Donavan Jacobs
Tel: (012) 394 1641
Cell: 082 751 1078

Issued by: Department of Trade and Industry
8 November 2005