South Africa signed a cooperation agreement with the Sultanate of Oman, as it seeks to use technological and scientific innovation to accelerate economic growth.

The Minister of Science and Technology, Mosibudi Mangena signed the Agreement on Scientific and Technological Cooperation with the Minister of Higher Education in the Sultanate of Oman, Dr Rawya Al Busaidi, in Pretoria on 12 March 2007.

This is part of an unfolding programme to establish and develop economic relations between South Africa and countries in the Middle East. Trade between South Africa and Oman is on the increase with South African exports to Oman totaling R408 million in 2006 – including chemicals, machinery and mechanical appliances. Over the same period imports, mostly petroleum and electronic equipment, from Oman totaled just over R1, 3 billion.

The Agreement on Scientific and Technological Cooperation will promote cooperation in the fields of science and technology on the basis of equality and mutual advantages for both countries by allowing the countries to:

• Exchange visits of scientists, researchers, specialists and scholars;

• Organize bilateral scientific and technical seminars and courses in areas of mutual interest;

• Exchange scientific and technical information and documents;

•   Jointly identify technical and scientific problems, formulate research programmes and apply their results in the fields agreed upon.

“A key challenge for the science systems of both South Africa and Oman would be to assist scientific research and activities that could lead to innovation and thereby contribute to economic growth and thus address the socio-economic challenges of each of our countries,” said Minister Mangena.

According to the Minister, Oman science and technology strengths lie in the areas of engineering, computer science, agricultural sciences, mathematics, clinical medicine, physics and chemistry, all of which are important areas of interest for South Africa.

He said the areas of scientific and technological inquiry and innovation represent exciting pillars of interest and cooperation which are in line with South Africa’s own mission of developing, coordinating and managing the National System of Innovation. This will bring about maximum human capital, sustainable economic growth and improved quality of life for all.

The Minister of Higher Education of the Sultanate of Oman, Dr Rawya Al Busaidi said agreement represents the beginning of what promises to be an enduring and productive relationship for mutual advancement in the field of science and technology.

She said: “The time is right to formalise our shared objectives in this agreement which is appropriately both broad and flexible to allow for innovation and growth.

The agreement follows a visit by a science and technology delegation of the Sultanate of Oman to South Africa in April 2005. The objective of this visit was to continue negotiations on an Agreement on Technological and Scientific Cooperation between the two countries. The delegation had discussions with South African role players in the fields of science and technology, as well as education.

Issued by the Department of Science and Technology

For media enquiries please contact: Kristin Klose, Manager: Communication @ 082 902 9503 or e-mail: Kristin.klose@dst.gov.za

For more information about the Agreement on Technological and Scientific Cooperation, please contact: Dr Mogege Mosimege, Manager: Bilateral Cooperation @ 082 387 9013