Mandisi Mpahlwa Minister of Trade and Industry

European and south african officials say they are working towards a new trade agreement that will boost cooperation and build on an existing decade-long commerce accord.

Negotiation continues on the Joint Action Plan for the SA-EU Strategic Partnership, which was adopted by the two parties in May of 2007, and which builds on the Trade, Development and Cooperation Agreement (TDCA), signed in 1999.

Although the cornerstone of the new strategic partnership is strengthened political dialogue through regular summit meetings, it also promotes stronger cooperation in a wide range of economic and social areas.

“Europe has always been important and our strategic partnership has demonstrated the commitment of both sides to further improve our bilateral relations,” says Mandisi Mpahlwa, Minister of Trade and Industry, adding that he is very pleased with how the 1999 TDCA has unfolded.

“Both Europe and South Africa have benefitted tremendously, especially in light of the EU enlargement, which has made the continent the biggest destination for our exports,” he says.