1. Middle East ____________
Strategic Plan - March 2004
Middle East
____________
SA is represented by 12 Missions in 9 Countries in the Middle East
Primary strategic significance of the region emerges from its role as the repository of and conduit for the world’s largest oil reserves as well as sources of natural gas
Region has great impact on international stability due to the Israeli/Arab Conflict
US led war on Iraq
Middle East Conflict remains a global concern. SA remains seized with the situation in the Middle East
Strategic importance for South Africa
Region provides approximately 80% of SA’s oil imports
Market for SA’s industrial, commercial & agricultural products
promising source of tourists, investment and technical co-operation
Important constituency for the agenda of the South. Most countries in region - important players in forums of the South

2. Asia and Australasia _________________
Strategic Plan - March 2004
Asia and Australasia
_________________
SA’s interaction with Asia and Australasia has increased markedly since 1994.
Currently we have 16 resident Mission in 13 countries and territories
Asia - comprises both developed and developing countries
Strategic importance to SA trade
Japan and the ASEAN Countries feature prominently as markets for SA industrial products
Growing affluence in India and China - potential for exports of value added goods
Discussions with India & China on FTA
Africa-Asia co-operation/Support for NEPAD
TICAD; China Africa Forum; India-Africa Fund. This co-operation is being synchronized with implementation of NEPAD
South- South co-operation
Asian-African Sub Regional Organisations Meeting (AASROC)
Strong Asian membership in Developing country groupings - NAM, G77+China, G20+