Zibonele Ntuli
1 December 2005
South Africa needs strategic partners such as Sweden to help the country increase its economic growth levels to create jobs and fight poverty, says Deputy President Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka.
'Highly valued'
Speaking at the opening of the fourth bi-national commission between the two countries in Pretoria on Tuesday, Mlambo-Ngcuka said South Africa needed to integrate itself more fully within the rapidly globalising world economy. Partners such as Sweden were needed to increase its international competitiveness.
"Your country's commitment to stability, progress and sustainable development on the basis of an equal and constructive partnership is highly valued," Mlambo-Ngcuka told her Swedish counterpart, Deputy Prime Minister Bosse Ringholm.
Ringholm is in the country to hold discussions on the status of political and economic relations between the two countries.
Far-sighted
Mlambo-Ngcuka said that, in return, Africa offered a stable investment environment for those developed countries far-sighted enough to throw their weight behind the New Partnership for Africa's Development (Nepad).
"The focus of Sweden on disadvantaged provinces and communities is also much appreciated. We look forward to seeing this co-operation continuing to draw on South African policies and priorities."
Mlambo-Ngcuka said there was much scope for greater foreign direct investment by Swedish companies in South Africa.
"Priority should be given to the participation of Swedish companies in steadily growing small, medium and micro enterprises in South Africa, especially those sectors which have the greatest potential for much-needed job creation," she said.
Source: BuaNews
