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10 March 2008

South African President, Thabo Mbeki, supported by Minister in the Presidency, Essop Pahad will on Tuesday, 11 March 2008 depart for Port Louis, Mauritius where he will lead a South African government delegation to the country's 40th Independence Day celebrations scheduled for Wednesday, 12 March 2008.

President Thabo Mbeki will attend these celebrations within the context of South Africa's priority to consolidate bilateral political, economic and trade relations with Mauritius.

Since gaining independence in 1968, Mauritius has transitioned from a low income, mono-agricultural sugar based economy to a more diversified economy with growing industrial, financial and tourist sectors. For most of the period annual growth has been in the order of five percent to six percent. This remarkable achievement has been reflected in more equitable distribution, increased life expectancy, lower infant mortality and an improved infrastructure.

While in Mauritius, President Mbeki is expected to hold political and economic discussions with his counterpart. Which will among others focus on Mauritius' intention to set up a Truth and Justice Commission (TJC) based on the South African model - Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC). President Mbeki will also engage in discussions around the issue of stability within the Indian Ocean region with specific reference to the political developments in the Union of the Comoros.

In addition to meetings with, President Jugnauth and Prime Minister Ramgoolam, President Mbeki will also be called on by the Chief Justice, the speaker of the National Assembly (NA) and the Leader of the Opposition. President Mbeki and his delegation are expected to return to South Africa on Wednesday, 12 March 2008.

Bilateral Economic Relations

Mauritius has one of the strongest economies in Africa with a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita of $13,200 (est. 2005). South Africa remains the leading supplier of goods to Mauritius.

Trade Relations with South Africa (R 000)

Year 2005
Imports from SA value (c.i.f) million Rand: 2,163
Exports to SA value (f.o.b) million Rand: 211

Year 2006
Imports from SA value (c.i.f) million Rand: 2,261
Exports to SA value (f.o.b) million Rand:398

Year 2007 (from January to September)
Imports from SA value (c.i.f) million Rand: 1,686
Exports to SA value (f.o.b) million Rand:378

The Africa Growth Opportunity Act (AGOA) has impacted on the trade/investment relations between South Africa and Mauritius. Utilising strengths from both countries will be to the benefit of South Africa and Mauritius. Business from the two countries will also look into possibilities of investing in a third country such as Madagascar or Mozambique, taking advantage of the absence of conditionality's as well as the abundance of cheap labour.

Enquiries:
Ronnie Mamoepa
Cell: 082 990 4853

Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs
10 March 2008