Seminar 

Economic Relations between Belgium and South Africa

Thursday, 1 December 2005,
Palais d’Egmont, Brussels

Program

Morning session

Chair: Mr. Jan Grauls, Vice-President of IRRI-KIIB

09.00-09.15h              Registration

09.15-09.30h              Welcoming address

                                   Mr. Jan Grauls, Vice-President of IRRI-KIIB

                                   H.E. Mr. J. M. Matjila,  Ambassador of South Africa: his presentation

09.30-09.50h              “NEPAD and its influence over the S.African economy”
                                   Guest speaker: H.E. Mr. Firmino Mucavele, S.G. of NEPAD

09.50-10.45h              « The general socio-economic situation in South Africa »

a) Strength and weaknesses of the S.African economy

Speaker: Mr. Christo Luüs (Chief Economist ABSA BANK):
            his presentation

b) Situation in specific economic sectors  (diamonds, energy, transport)

Speaker: Ms. Ginny Veran  (Embassy of S.Africa): her presentation

10.45-11.00h              Coffee break

11.00-11.30h              « Black economic empowerment »

                                   Speaker: Mr. Vuyo Jack (CEO Empowerdex): his presentation

11.30-12.30h              «South Africa’s position in the global economy »

Relations with the EU, Doha round, …

                                   Speakers: Mr. Peter Draper (SAIIA):  his presentation

    Mr. Jacques Wunenburger  (European Commission)

12.30-14.00h              Lunch (Buffet)

Afternoon session  (Belgian participants)

Chair: Mr. Jan Grauls, Vice-President of IRRI-KIIB

14.00-16.00hr             “Economic relations with South Africa and lessons learned from

  the morning session”

16.00h                        Conclusions

                                   End of session.