Pretoria - South Africa says it is encouraged by the restoration of constitutional normalcy in Madagascar, saying the country is on a positive path towards nation building and reconciliation.
“We commend the political leadership and the people of Madagascar for the gains attained thus far. The people of Madagascar were faced with a choice - either reconcile and forgive or plunge the country into war and sufferance.
“You chose to reconcile in order to heal the nation,” Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Llewellyn Landers, said on Monday.
Deputy Landers is in the Indian Ocean Island on an official visit aimed at promoting bilateral relations between the two countries.
South Africa, he said, remains ready to work with the people of Madagascar to safeguard these achievements.
“We would like to continue sharing our experiences in nation building and reconciliation,” Deputy Minister Landers said.
When President Hery Rajaonarimampianina took power in January 2014 - after the first democratic elections since 2006 - it was hoped Madagascar would finally emerge from a deep political and economic crisis.
The island was plunged into a state of crisis in 2009 when President Rajaonarimampianina's predecessor Marc Ravalomanana was ousted in a coup.
Deputy Landers told the seminar that for the country to continue to prosper, governance institutions should be strengthened to manage economic transformation and build a resilient economy.
“Similarly, sustained peace and stability is important for entrenchment of democracy, good governance and economic development. These endeavours should be aimed at achieving a better life for all 22 million Malagasy people.”
Since the restoration of constitutional normalcy in Madagascar, efforts have been underway to rekindle bilateral relations between the two countries.
Economic opportunities
South African state-owned enterprises and private sector continue to explore economic opportunities in Madagascar.
The Development Bank of Southern Africa has recently signed an agreement with the Malagasy Ministry of Finance for cooperation in physical infrastructure development, particularly the roads network.
“Our two governments and private sectors are discussing a number of very exciting projects in the air services, transport, tourism and infrastructure sectors.”
In the area of Science and Technology, the two countries have finalised negotiations on an agreement for cooperation and it is expected to be signed before the end of October 2015.
Madagascar is also a partner in the sophisticated Square Kilometre Array Telescope project which is envisaged to bolster the continent’s scientific excellence.
Several number of Malagasy students have been offered post graduate bursaries in SA related to this major project, Deputy Minister Landers said.
Pretoria also enjoys sound economic relations with Madagascar.
Trade relations
According to the 2014 statistics from the Department of Trade and Industry, South African exports to Madagascar were valued at almost R1.7 billion. These mainly consisting of minerals; prepared foodstuffs and beverages; machinery and mechanical appliances; vehicles, aircraft, vessels and associated transport equipment; base metals, chemicals and allied industries.
On the other hand, Madagascar exports to South Africa in the same year amounted to almost R1.4 billion, consisting of products such as textiles; mineral products; base metals; products of chemical and allied industries; vegetable products; machinery and mechanical appliances; wood and articles.
Total trade has doubled from R1.46 billion in 2010 to R3.1 billion in 2014.
Even more encouraging, from a Malagasy perspective is that Malagasy exports to SA, grew from R160 million in 2010 to R1.4 billion in 2014.
“This is a massive increase which augers well for bolstering our future economic and trade relations,” said Deputy Minister Landers, adding that the two sides have the potential and the courage to do more. - SAnews.gov.za
