1. Strategic Plan - March 2004
Americas
__________
The Americas are divided into the developed North and the developing South.
SA maintains good relations with both North and South America
Current SA representation is16 Missions
North America
Region of importance to SA
Canada has pledged strong support for NEPAD, both bilaterally and within the G-8
To align the US Millenium challenge account with NEPAD objectives
Active bilateral engagement with US and Canada critical for
Increased Official Development Assistance (ODA) for capacity building
Market access
Foreign Direct Investment (to SA and Africa)
Wider debt relief for Least Developed Countries

2. Americas __________ Priority with regard to North America:
Strategic Plan - March 2004
Americas
__________
Priority with regard to North America:
Redouble efforts to increase SA exports and improve Africa’s market access to North America. In this regard, branding of SA - critical
Facilitate beneficial outcome of comprehensive Free Trade Agreement negotiations between Southern African Customs Union (SACU) and the USA
South America
Countries of Latin America and the Caribbean are of strategic importance to SA in terms of, inter alia, closer South-South co-operation and unexplored markets
MERCOSUR
Relationship with the MERCOSUR countries - greatly improved. SA attended MERCOSUR Summit at the invitation of Brazil
Negotiations are underway to conclude the MERCOSUR/SACU-FTA
Brazil Africa relations growing with the establishment of Africa Brazil Forum
Brazil key signatory of IBSA Dialogue Forum

3. Americas __________ CARICOM
Strategic Plan - March 2004
Americas
__________
CARICOM
SA government has increased its focus on strengthening relations with the Caribbean region
President Mbeki met with Caribbean leaders during CARICOM Summit
Efforts are underway to establish a CARICOM Office in SA
SA offering assistance to Haiti
SA currently negotiating bilateral co-operation agreement with Jamaica
Bilateral Co-operation Agreement with the Bahamas - concluded in April 2004