23 March 2005

South Africa has signed two agreements with Gabon - one on trade, the other on avoidance of double taxation and pevention of income tax evasion - paving the way for sound diplomatic relations and increased trade between the two countries.

The deal, officials say, will be followed later by the signing of a series of similar agreements in education, tourism, culture and other areas, further consolidating ties between Pretoria and Libreville.

Foreign Minister Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma and Gabonese Acting Foreign Minister Jean-Francios Ndongou signed on the dotted line in Pretoria on Tuesday.

The ministers also compared notes on a number of international developments, including the proposed United Nations reforms and the Great Lakes political environment.

Trade and Industry Minister Mandisi Mpahlwa hailed the deal as "one more step in realising south-south cooperation".

It was important for developing nations to deepen existing bonds to enable them to tackle the obstacles in the way of Africa's renewal, Mpahlwa said.

Source: BuaNews

	South African trade with Africa

	Department of Foreign Affairs  Dept of Trade & Industry  African Union

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