SA 'rhythm' for World Expo 2005
22 March 2005
About 15 million people are expected to attend the 185-day World Expo 2005 in Aichi, Japan from 25 March to 25 September. SA's national pavilion, "Rhythm of Life", will seek to project the unique spirit of South Africa's people.
Themed "Beyond development: rediscovering nature's wisdom", the mammoth expo will highlight critical issues that countries all over the world are faced with.
Participants from over 127 nations will present pavilions which contribute to the overarching Expo theme while celebrating the accomplishments of each country.
SA's theme for its pavilion, "Rhythm of Life", will depict the country's unique spirit and that of its people. The project will be driven by the Department of Trade and Industry, with a number other government departments and private
companies involved.
Speaking at a press conference in Cape Town last month, Deputy Foreign Minister Sue van der Merwe that South Africa's pavilion would not only promote the country as a trading nation, but also "convey to the wider world what we as a country and as part of the African continent are doing to improve the lives of our people.
"Clearly, our contribution in the international arena is not simply to promote our interests, but also to act as a catalyst for economic activity in our region and on the continent and to promote South-South cooperation", Van der Merwe said.
"The Expo gives us the space to carry out this work, to share our progress with others, and to focus on sustainable solutions to the world's problems. Our national pavilion will have to bring our take on how humanity should work in tandem with nature for a more enduring
reality."
The Japanese government is waiving all visa fees for the duration of the Expo, and
Trade and Industry Minister Mandisi Mpahlwa has urged South Africans to attend.
South Africa's relations with Japan
Japan is South Africa's most important trade partner in Asia, and fourth most important in the world. Imports from Japan totalled over R19-billion in 2002, while SA exports to Japan totalled over R24-billion.
Thirty percent of all South African exports destined for Asia go to Japan, while 37.9% of the country's imports from Asia are from Japan.
South African imports from Japan consist mainly of machinery, mechanical appliances, vehicles and measuring and photographic equipment, whereas Japanese imports from South Africa mainly comprse mineral products and base metals.
Foreign direct investment from Japan since 1994 was last measured at approximately US$500-million. Direct investment in South Africa by more than 20
Japanese companies to date is in excess of $400-million.
In 1999, Japan granted South Africa a second overseas development assistance package of $1.5-billion over five years (with a grant component of $100-million).
SouthAfrica.info reporter
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