SA, France sign transport pact
15 November 2006
South Africa and France have signed an agreement on cooperation in the field of transport that allows for an increase in air traffic between the two countries and for France to share its experience in public transport with South Africa.
Transport Minister Jeff Radebe signed the agreement with visiting French Foreign Trade Minister Christine Lagarde in Johannesburg on Monday.
The French minister is in South Africa for French Week, which kicked off in Johannesburg on Monday with the first France-South Africa Forum, a two-day workshop focusing on the possibilities for French-South African business partnerships in Africa.
In a joint communiqué issued after Monday's signing, the two ministers noted that SA and France had been co-operating in a number of ways since the two countries signed a civil aviation technical agreement in 2001.
France has also responded "positively" to a request from South Africa regarding pilot training.
According to the Department of Transport, a feasibility study for the establishment of a national pilot academy in South Africa has been completed, the recommendations of which could be implemented "if the South African authorities decide to implement the project."
With regard to public transport, Radebe and Lagarde noted the country's needs and projects ahead of the 2010 Fifa World Cup.
"France is willing to share its experience with South Africa to increase the efficiency of public transport, particularly on the occasion of the 2010 Soccer World Cup," the department said.
SouthAfrica.info reporter and BuaNews
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