Liaison Office of South Africa

in Taiwan                                                              

Suite 1301, 13th FL., 205 Tun Hwa North Rd., Taipei 105, Taiwan

Tel: (02) 2715-3251/4           Fax: (02) 2712-5109

                                       Mr. Petrus Meyer

        Representative of the Liaison Office of South Africa

South Africa - Taiwan 2006

Welcome to the South African Liaison Office in Taiwan

Greetings and best wishes for 2006. The Liaison Office of South Africa in Taiwan announces the appointment of the new Head of the South African Mission in Taiwan, Mr. Petrus Meyer, a former Provincial Cabinet Minister in the Western Cape Province and more recently the past Deputy Speaker of the Western Cape Provincial Government.

As the new Head of the South African Mission in Taiwan I will continue with the excellent work done by our offices. I also pledge to further strengthen our good relationship between South African and Taiwan.

The core business of this office is linked to the corporate strategy of the South African Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The key objectives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs are:

VISION

Our vision is an African Continent, which is prosperous, peaceful, democratic, non-racial, non-sexist and united, and which contributes to a world that is just and equitable.

MISSION

We are committed to promoting South Africa’s national interests and values, the African Renaissance and the creation of a better world for all.

STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES

•          Through bilateral and multilateral interaction protect and promote South  African National interests and values

•      Conduct and co-ordinate South Africa’s international relations, and promote its Foreign Policy Objectives

•          Monitor international developments and advise government on foreign     policy and related domestic matters

•           Protect South Africa’s sovereignty and territorial integrity

•          Contribute to the formulation of international law and enhance respect for the provisions thereof

•          Promote multilateralism to secure a rule-based international system

•          Maintain a modern, effective and excellently driven department

•          Provide consular services to South African nationals abroad

•          Provide a world class and uniquely South African State Protocol service

As the newly appointed South African Representative in Taiwan I have four strategic goals for 2006.

Firstly, to promote the current strategic partnerships between the Republic of South Africa and Taiwan.

Secondly, to promote a greater understanding of the African Union and its strategic role in promoting social, economic and political transformation on the African Continent.

Thirdly, to promote tourism and economic development between South Africa and Taiwan; and

Fourthly, to promote cultural exchanges and knowledge management between South Africa and Taiwan.

The Year 2006 will be exceptional for our offices in many different ways. During this year, the African Union (AU) and its New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD) will begin to play an more active role in South Africa’s Foreign Affairs agenda. This will bring us visibility in the Taiwanese media and open doors to Taiwanese decision-makers in a exceptional way. We will try to make the most of these opportunities. It is presumable that South Africa will organize some of the AU events slated for 2006 in cooperation with other AU member states. South Africa being the host country for the Pan African Parliament (PAP) makes it an ideal gateway for Taiwanese companies who wish to gain a foothold in other African countries. South Africa is indeed a Gateway to Africa!

Taiwanese know-how and competence continue to enjoy strong interest in South Africa. As the Taiwanese society is forced to undergo profound changes in social policy and practices amid its rapid growth, many measures that South Africa has adopted have drawn attention among Taiwanese decision-makers and the media. Our successful transition to a democratic state and impact of our Truth & Reconciliation Commission is but one example. Our negotiations with the United States Government regarding the extension of the Africa Growth and Opportunities Act (AGOA) has profound significance not only for our own economy, but also for the many Taiwanese companies who have recognized the opportunities presented by AGOA, in obtaining duty free access to US markets. In addition, the gender-equality related issues adopted by South African government have gained increasing international publicity. As my country’s Representative, I find the publicity very positive. It is encouraging that in this way the image of South Africa in Taiwan has reached new dimensions.

Finally, I would like to specially mention travel from Taiwan to South Africa. I am convinced that by boosting our marketing effort, it is possible to attract more Taiwanese tourists with a high propensity to spend. General knowledge on South Africa among the Taiwanese people has never been as good as it is today. In addition, travelling to South Africa is becoming easier, with various airlines in Asia flying directly to South Africa. Travelling to and from South Africa not only promotes our respective economies, but also serves to strengthen “people-to-people” cooperation, and contributes towards the strengthening of ties between our respective countries.

Petrus Meyer

Representative