Events
External Economic Activity / Cooperation between Krasnodar Region and foreign states
South Africa
Cooperation
between Krasnodar Region and South Africa
(reference information)
1 Stages in establishing relations
Over the last six years contacts have been established with representatives of South Africa on questions of establishing and strengthening cooperation. For example, every year at the international investment forum held in Sochi representatives of South African business take part, as does the Ambassador of the South African Republic in the Russian Federation.
2 Visits by Krasnodar Region and South African delegations
From 22 to 28 November 2005 a delegation from Krasnodar Region visited South Africa with the aim of studying the latest experience in the sphere of developing tourist infrastructure, and the experience of leading South African companies specialising in realisation of projects in planning, equipping and construction of tourist zones. During the visit negotiations were held with managers of a range of major Cape Town companies engaged in investment and tourist activity (Planning Partners, Steenberg Golf Estate, Tribal Meetings, Victoria and Alfred Waterfront). Members of the Kuban delegation examined a dozen of the best hotels, studied the work of a beach complex, resort infrastructure, and also the activity of investors. A range of representatives from the Kuban tourist business expressed interest in the organisation and work of golf clubs.
On 16 and 17 April 2008 a delegation from the Embassy of the South African Embassy in the Russian Federation led by the Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of the South African Republic in Russia, Mr Bheki Winston Joshua Lang, visited Krasnodar Region. At a meeting with Vice Governor of Krasnodar Region, Aleksandr Ivanov, delegates discussed prospects for cooperation between South Africa and the Kuban in the spheres of transport, energy, agriculture and wine making, and also in the field of resorts and tourism. In particular, South Africa is ready to share with our Region their experience in development and realisation of projects for construction for recreation facilities on the coast line and in the sea. In addition, questions were discussed of concluding agreements between Krasnodar Region and the Kwazulu-Natal province of the South African Republic, and also the towns of Sochi and Durban, the largest port in the South African Republic.
From 1 to 6 December there was a delegation in Krasnodar Region from the Kwazulu-Natal, whose visit was organised with the assistance of the Embassy of South Africa in Moscow. The main aim of the trip was to learn about the region and to establish trade and economic cooperation with the Region in the fields of agriculture, tourism, education, construction, and preparation of a project for an agreement between the two regions.
Members of the delegation carried out a range of meetings with specialist departments of Krasnodar Region, during which the main directions for cooperation were defined. The delegates visited construction and agricultural facilities, educational establishments, and businesses in the tourism sphere. On 4 December the delegation took part in the Fifteen Years of Investment in Krasnodar Region conference.
3 Agreement with administrative territorial authorities and structures in South Africa
On 28 September 2002 in Sochi at the international economic forum Kuban 2002, an Agreement was concluded by the executive committee of the resort town of Gelendzhik, the Administration of Krasnodar Region and the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront company (South Africa) on preparation of a master plan for development of the 100 kilometre coastal zone of Gelendzhik. Documentation drawn up during the realisation of the Agreement will make it possible for potential investors to carry out the projects prepared.
4 External trade turnover
According to Customs statistics from the Southern Customs Department, the external trade turnover of Krasnodar Region with South Africa in 2007 totalled $640 900. This included exports to a value of $33 520 and imports of $607 430. The balance of trade was negative (-$573 920).
The main imports were fruit juices and vegetable juices ($57 000).
The volume of exports was insignificant.
According to Customs statistics the external trade turnover of Krasnodar Region with South African for three quarters of 2008 totalled $2 083 800. This included exports to a value of $1 121 500, and imports of $962 300.
The balance of trade was positive ($159 200).
The main import was wine ($235 500).
The main export was lathes ($1 114 900).
