Sri Lanka is an Investment Gateway for South Africans.

Source  :http://www.thediplomaticsociety.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=120:sri-lanka-is-an-investment-gate-way-for-south-africans

Maldives SA – ties prosper Dr Srimal Fernando engages H.E. Aslam Mohamed Shakir, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Republic of Maldives

Srimal Fernando:What is the current state of the Maldives –South Africa relations and your government’s objective for enhancing them? Foreign Affairs Minister Shakir: The Maldives and South Africa continue to enjoy friendly relations since the establishment of diplomatic relations in July 1994. We believe that both Maldives and South Africa has a lot to learn from each other and could explore mutual benefits irrespective of the differences of size. We give paramount importance to Sustainable Development – the development in which we could maximize our social objectives and business opportunities while applying environmentally friendly methodologies. This is considering both short-term and long-term implications of our political and technical decisions. As a country that has emerged from 30 years of autocratic rule to a multi-party democracy, the Maldives has a lot to learn from the transitional experiences of South Africa. Transitional Justice is an area in which South Africa has given hope to countries that are embarking on or going through difficult transitions from a repressive regime to a democratic, free and rights-based regime of governance. South Africa has well established world-class reputable institutions of learning, including universities and technical and vocational institutions. Tourism is a major foreign exchange earner in South Africa like the Maldives, although the tourism products offered by South Africa may be more diverse than those offered by the Maldives. This is an area where the Maldives gain a lot of know-how and experience from South Africa. As a large emerging economy, South Africa is expected to play a significant role in International Affairs, and is also a potential tourism market for the Maldivian tourism industry. The Maldives also seeks to enhance trade relations between the two countries, particularly as South African products are reputed to be of good quality. South Africa has huge potential to be a major tourism market for the Maldivian tourism industry. This has already been tested and proven when there were direct air links between South African cities and Male’. In addition to that, the Maldives being a net importer of all sorts of consumer items, the huge range of high-quality products, including fruits, vegetables, meat and poultry products that are produced in South Africa can be imported to the Maldives. However, in order to facilitate these trade exchanges, direct air links need to be re-started. The technical and vocational educational development are key areas that requires external support. SF: How are your government’s preparations progressing for the seventeenth South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) Summit to be held this year in your country? FM: The preparatory work is all on schedule and the Summit is going to be held in the South Province of the Maldives from 10-11 November 2011. As announced by the Maldives Government, the 17th SAARC Summit will be held in the Southern Province of the Maldives. For the first time a SAARC Summit is being held in the southern hemisphere. SF: Has the Maldivian government decided to invite a South African government delegation as observers to the 17th SAARC Summit? FM: We would welcome South Africa to be an observer and we would support such a request. However an existing moratorium, which will expire at the end of July 2011, prevents new countries from becoming observers. We encourage those countries who are interested in becoming SAARC observers to follow the due process and request the current SAARC Chair, Bhutan, expressing their interest. SF: “The impacts of climate change can already be felt” “One-third of our inhabited islands are suffering from coastal erosion” remarks by President Nasheed of the Maldives. How is your government addressing these concerns of climate change and rising seas in the Maldives? FM: Climate Change and Sea-level rise has always been a concern to the Maldives and over the past few years climate change adaptation measures are well prioritised within the Government. The Strategic Action Plan, the action plan of the Manifesto of the current government, accords high priority to acknowledging and taking positive action on adaptation to climate change as a basic right of the people and identifies actions points to address this in the next five years and beyond. The President of Maldives has declared the ambitious target of the Maldives to become carbon neutral by 2020. Under the GEF funding we are already implementing a project “Integrating Climate Change Resilient Island Planning in the Maldives (ICCRRIP)” and the government is working closely with all like-minded countries in the international community to achieve this target. In this context, the government has already concluded a national carbon audit. The carbon audit will facilitate the rolling out of the carbon neutrality plan by identifying specific areas that need to be focused in order of priority. The focus is also on rising sea levels, global warming and on green house gases. While, at present fossil fuels are comparatively cheaper for the generation of power than the investments required for the generation of renewable energy, the Maldives is convinced that as the world turns to a Green Economy and the renewable energy technology leap-frogs in the future, the long-term cost of investing in renewable energy is bound to become not only cheaper but also more ethical. One of the solutions to battle coastal erosion is through reclamation of land. The Maldives is learning of new technologies of land reclamation that does not affect the well being of the delicate coral-reef systems that consists of the Maldives. Recent reclamation projects that use modern technology to identify and pump out sand deposits in the deeper sea, away from the reefs are proving to be more effective, efficient and its impact on the fragile reef ecology minimal. The environmentally friendly dredging to minimise damage to the marine ecology is step forward to adopt to sustain the process. In addition the government is looking forward to develop curriculums to enhance the knowledge on environmental education. Since it is the peoples mindset that requires a change to look on safe guarding the planet. SF: Has the Maldivian government decided to send a high level delegation to the 17th United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP 17) to be hosted in Durban, South Africa in November? FM: The Maldives will continue to play an active part in the international negotiations on climate change and the Government of Maldives will send a High Level delegation to represent the country at the COP 17 in Durban. SF: The Maldives exceed 700,000 tourist arrivals per year. What are your thoughts of selling Maldives to the South African tourist markets? FM: South Africa had been a valuable market for the Maldives tourism industry in the past when there was a direct charter flight operation between South Africa and the Maldives. However, once the operation stopped the number of arrivals has decreased considerably. The government believes that a new initiation of direct links would benefit trade exchanges between both countries. SF: What opportunities are there for setting up a foreign investment or joint ventures in the Maldives? FM: Maldives has adopted a very liberal policy to attract foreign investments. As such no limitations pertaining to equity participation exists and up to 100 percent foreign private investment is allowed. The economy has enjoyed robust growth averaging close to 8 percent per annum during the last decade, particularly through the success and continued expansion of its tourism industry. To build on this growth, the government recognises the need for greater private sector involvement and foreign direct investment in the Maldivian economy. The process of registering a foreign investment, as required by Law, is simple and straightforward. Maldives offers safe haven for foreign investor’s in-terms of political stability, safe, stable and predictable environment to operate. The most attractive features on offer on for prospective investors are; friendly rules such as, long term lease of land, tax breaks and ability to repatriate a high percent of profits. Many other incentives are provided to foreign investors as well. SF: What specific sectors offer the greatest opportunities for South Africans investors? FM: Maldives graduated from the UNs list of Least Developed Countries at the beginning of this year. Today, more than ever before, the Maldives needs investments in all sectors. Despite the high growth potential, health and agriculture are particularly under-invested areas open for foreign investors. As evident from the phenomenal improvement made by South Africa over the years in these sectors, South African investors may find these particularly attractive. Education, tourism and energy sectors are other areas that offer great opportunities. Unlike the well established tourism sector, renewable energy sector is a relatively niche development in the Maldives. The weather conditions in the Maldives offer excellent opportunities for the production of renewable energy on a highly profitable basis. Currently few projects are ongoing and very recently international investors have shown interest to this sector as well. The future of the Maldives economy will be further sustained by a green economic strategy and a blue economic strategy to safe guard and develop the marine resources in environmentally friendly manner. SF: How can South Africa support to overcome certain challenges faced by your country? FM: Definitely South Africa is one of the most diverse countries in the world. Maldives could seek cooperation with South Africa in many areas of development. While formal education is fairly established in the Maldives, technical and vocational education opportunities are lacking in the country. The Maldives could immensely benefit from the vast experience South Africa has in this sector. The growing drug problem is a concern for the government. The Government does not have the capability and the expertise to handle the problem. South African expertise in dealing with youth unemployment and drug use among youth can be utilized to address these problems in the Maldives. The relationship between the two countries can be mutually beneficial. SF: Is there anything else that you would like to add? FM: The Maldives is keen on intensifying cultural and people to people exchanges with South Africa. In addition the Maldives needs support for institutional development and for capacity development for such institutions. However the Maldivian judicial system is at an infant stage .It is important to strengthen this area with external support. South Africa can support the Maldives to strengthen its judicial system. I would like to recall that there was interest from a South African business group that was interested in developing the transport sector in a certain part of the Maldivian island. Fisheries is another area where South African expertise might be needed. This interest was mainly focused on air and sea transport. South Africa can play a key role in developing the cultural and sports capacities of the Maldivians. People to People interaction between both countries will be a vital aspect in such exchange programs. The other point was building bridges which will be the central theme of the upcoming SAARC summit in the Maldives.

Source : http://thediplomaticsociety.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=170:maldives

By Dr Srimal Fernando

South Asia Correspondent for Foreign Exchange

As India marks 65 years of independence on 15August 2011, the country has become one of the fastest growing major economies that aspires to be the major financial, educational and transportation center of the world. Since achieving independence India experienced numerous phases of developments and changes.
Following market based economic reforms in 1991. India has rapidly risen to become a global economic force to be reckoned with. As the world’s fourth largest economy with a population of over 1.2 billion people, and a middle class of more than 400 million people India is an increasingly big player on the world stage and has transformed itself from a Third world country into one of the World’s fastest growing economies.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) projected that the Indian economy will expand by 8.2 percent in 2011. Driven by growth, India’s nominal GDP per capita has steadily increased from U$329 in 1991, when economic liberalization began to US$1,265 in 2010. India’s unique and vast geography, endowed with diverse topography, the country has made it one of the most attractive investment destinations in the world. India now boasts a private sector business that is continuing to attract the interest of the foreigners.
The economy of India has taken important steps towards boosting its agricultural output. Today it ranks number two in the global farm output. Agriculture and related sectors accounts for 16.6 percent of the Gross domestic product (GDP) (est 2007). India had a very large breed of indigenous cows and buffaloes. With an estimated 86.8 million tons of annual milk production from animals, managed by nearly 70 million farmers, India is the biggest milk producing country in the world. Manufacturing sector accounts for 27.6 percent of the GDP .The Government of India has introduced policies aimed at increasing domestic oil production and oil exploration activities. The ports are the main centers of trade. Maritime and air transport network has attracted several investments in the Indian air industry in the past few years. There are more than 335 (2008 est.) civilian airports in India.
Thus, India is one of the few markets in the world which offers high prospects for growth and earning potential, in practically all areas of business, particularly in agriculture, information technology (IT) and in tourism. India is viewed as the second most favorable outsourcing destination after United States. It has also made rapid progress in electronics and offers very attractive property investment opportunities. Several avenues have been opened to get the foreign investment flow in to the infrastructure sector. Infrastructure in India is gaining in importance and a number of public private partnerships (PPPs), targeted at US$150 billion are in the pipeline. Tourism in India is the largest service industry. More than five million foreign tourists visit India every year. The country’s  tourism industry is thriving due to an increase in foreign tourist arrivals. The remarkable growth in Indian Tourism market has benefited many support industries such as aviation, transport, hotel, medical and sports. Tourism in India is the largest service industry, with a contribution of 6.23 percent to the national GDP.
Railways provides an important mode of transport in India, transporting over 18 million passengers and more than 2 million tones of freight a day across the country. India has a network of 66,590 km of National highways connecting all the major cities and state capitals, forming the economic backbone of the country. The country has brought about revolutionary improvements in its communication system. There has also been remarkable improvement in the sphere of transport and communications during the last three decades. Industrialization process allowed growing industries such as steel, aluminum, and cement production to reduce the dependence of the economy on agriculture.

Since the 19th century, ethnic Indians have established communities in every continent including the African continent. India and South Africa have a 150 years old strong cultural relationship which is an added advantage towards strengthening the economic and trade relationship. Since 1994 the bilateral relations between India and South Africa have grown. The bilateral trade doubled from $3.18 billion in 2004-05 to $7.73 billion in 2009-10. Both nations have since developed close strategic, cultural and economic ties. Today there are close to 1.3 million Indians living in South Africa, most of them belong to fourth or fifth generation. With India as part of the India-Brazil-South Africa (IBSA) dialogue forum, the ties further solidified South Africa’s 2011 acceptance into the BRICS group. By joining the emerging economies BRICS group (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) India has been actively promoting trade with South Africa in recent years. The growth of India- South Africa trade has been explosive in the last decade. India shares an extensive energy partnership with South Africa. India’s largest import from South Africa is coal, which amounted to about $1.5-billion. On the other hand South Africa imported mostly information technology services and pharmaceutical goods from India. India has become the sixth largest trading partner to South Africa in the Asian region. South Africa is considered by the technocrats, where foreign capital realizes the best return on investment products from India. The two countries have decided to set a target of achieving $15 billion bilateral trade by 2015.
The Indian and South African economies continue to surprise with its very healthy growth rates  The growth rates, driven by consumer spending, investment, and exports, have surpassed most predictions

(Source : http://thediplomaticsociety.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=176)

About Uganda

Uganda with a population of 24.4 million people is a beautiful country in East Africa which Sir Winston Churchill rightly called the ‘Pearl of Africa’ . Uganda has a large young population with children below 18 years constituting 56%. Most people live in the rural areas with only 12% living in urban areas. Uganda has one of the highest population growth rates in the region of 3.3% with a fertility rate of 6.9. The country is bordered by Sudan on the North, Kenya on the East, Tanzania on the South, Rwanda on a small part of the South West and the large Democratic Republic of Congo on much of the West. Uganda is much known for the 2nd largest fresh water lake of Lake Victoria and for being the source of the River Nile. The Equator cuts Uganda in half giving it equatorial and tropical climates. But because Uganda is at a high altitude it has a very ideal warm climate.

As popularly put, Uganda is gifted by nature with beautiful hills and mountains, ever green forests, fresh water lakes and rivers, fertile soils and very friendly people. With this natural beauty tourism is a great earner of foreign exchange. Many National parks which, are endowed with a rich variety of sauna and fauna are well preserved across the country. Cash crops include cotton, coffee, tea and fruits. Uganda is endowed with many natural resources and minerals many of which have not yet been exploited.

In the midst of this beauty and glamour Uganda has had its share of problems. Internal armed conflict, HIV/AIDS and extreme poverty rates the country as just average in many ways. Uganda has excelled among the African countries in combating the AIDS scourge from 28% in 1998 t0 6.1% to date. This is no mean achievement. However the effects of the epidemic in terms of number of orphans and sick people left behind is overwhelming. Thank God that Government with support from development partners are working together to address the problems including Control of HIV/AIDS, the armed conflict in the north and poverty reduction. Different programs and projects are in place to address the different issues.

Some facts about Kenya

Shakira has sold more than 50m albums worldwide

A song by Colombian pop star Shakira and South African band Freshlyground has been chosen as the official anthem of this summer’s World Cup.

The song, Time for Africa, is expected to be released to radio stations from next week and will be available for download from 26 April.

Shakira and Freshlyground will perform the song at the pre-tournament Kick-Off concert in Soweto on 10 June.

It will also be sung at the opening ceremony and at the final on 11 July.

The Football Association announced in January that, for the first time since 1966, there will be no official song to mark England’s campaign in South Africa.

According to an FA spokesman, the England management “want to be fully focused on the football”.

Several unofficial anthems are in the pipeline, including a reprisal by John Barnes of his infamous rap from the 1990 England World Cup anthem World in Motion by New Order.

606: DEBATE Should England have had the opportunity to have an official World Cup song of their own?

Former Liverpool and England forward Barnes will feature in a re-recording of the song for a TV advertisement.

England’s last official World Cup song, World At Your Feet by Embrace, charted at number three in 2006, while there were also efforts the same year from Tony Christie and Crazy Frog.

The previous effort, We’re on the ball, in 2002 was recorded by TV presenters Ant and Dec.

In 1998, The Spice Girls sang (How Does It Feel To Be) On Top Of The World, written by Echo and the Bunnymen frontman Ian McCulloch.

http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?date=4/17/2010%209:07:23%20AM

Lula predicts Brazil vs South Africa World Cup final

BRASILIA: Brazil’s President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who met his South African counterpart Jacob Zuma on Thursday, said diplomatically he believed that the 2010 World Cup final could be a showdown between their two countries. “In case you don’t know, this photograph foreshadows the 2010 World Cup final,” Lula told journalists as the two men posed together for photographers. South Africa host the World Cup from June 11 with Bafana Bafana in Group A with France, Uruguay and Mexico. Five-time champions Brazil, who host the 2014 World Cup finals, are in Group G with North Korea, Ivory Coast and Portugal. During the Confederations Cup last year, Brazil beat South Africa 1-0 in the semi-final. afp