CURRENT ENGAGEMENTS BY SOUTH AFRICAN GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS WITH

THE OECD

2003 – May 2006

Year	Department/Institution	Activity with the OECD	Significant Developments in SA – OECD Relations
	Department of Science and Technology (DST)	Official Observer Status in the Committee on Scientific and Technological Policy (CSTP) and all related Working Groups	With its Official Observer Status in the Committee on Scientific and Technological Policy (CSTP), South Africa participates in all aspects and Working Groups related to the work of the CSTP other than matters concerning the Committee’s budget and membership. The added value of South Africa’s participation was recognised when the country was requested to chair the Working Group responsible for drafting the OECD Declaration on International Science and Technology Co-operation for Sustainable Development, which was endorsed at the CSTP Ministerial Meeting in January 2004. This declaration is of great importance in that it reaffirms the commitment to achieving the objectives adopted by the World Summit on Sustainable Development, held in Johannesburg in September 2002. DST, together with OECD hosted an International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Workshop in November 2005 at Kwa Maritane, South Africa. DST presented a paper on the outcomes of this workshop at the CSTP meeting in March 2006. There was considerable interest in further work on sustainable development and other areas (e.g Mobility of S&T human resources, migration, braindrain) as it fosters closer collaboration between the OECD and developing countries. Activities on this topic have been included in the OECD’s 2007-2008 Programme of Work and Budget. The OECD will publish the proceedings of the workshop. The Department of Science and Technology will prepare a paper in from this workshop that will be presented at the forthcoming United Nations Commission for Sustainable Development in May 2006. DST also participates in the OECD-NESTI (National Experts on S&T Indicators and will participate in the Blue Sky Conference to be held in September 2006. [last updated:11/04/06]
2003	Competition Commission	Review of South Africa’s Competition Law and Policy at the Global Forum on Competition presented in February 2003	In February 2003, the third meeting of the OECD’s Global Forum on Competition brought together representatives from approximately 70 countries and featured a Review of South Africa’s Competition Law and Policy. Members of the Competition Commission and the Competition Tribunal represented the country. Discussions there included challenges and obstacles faced by competition authorities in achieving greater economic development and how economic development has been advanced through enforcement against private anti-competitive conduct. Since the review numerous recommendations have been made to SA including numerous bilateral discussions with the Commission. Follow-up with Competition Commission [last updated: 23/03/06]
2003/04	National Treasury and SA Revenue Service (SARS)	Official Observer Status to the Committee for Fiscal Affairs (CFA) Regular interactions & co-operation between SARS & OECD	During the latter half of 2003, meetings took place between representatives from the National Treasury and the South African Revenue Service (SARS) and those of the OECD regarding the implications of South Africa applying for Official Observer Status in the organisation’s Committee for Fiscal Affairs (CFA). The initial approach in this regard had come from the OECD’s CFA. Officials from the National Treasury and SARS subsequently submitted an appropriate memorandum to the Minister and Commissioner respectively, advising of the implications and procedures of application, and recommending that the Minister forward a letter to the OECD Secretary General to initiate this process. Official Observer Status in the CFA was granted to South Africa in May 2004. Current observership expires in December 2005 and South Africa intends to renew its observer status in the CFA SARS officials attended the 69^th Session of the CFA at the OECD in Paris on 28 – 29 June 2005. The participation of South Africa, as an observer, this Session was well received by the CFA and the OECD Secretariat. South Africa’s contribution on developing closer relations with the existing observer countries assisted the CFA in strategically giving focus to its outreach activities. The National Treasury and SARS indicated that South Africa hoped to have a technical representative in every Working Party (that fell within the ambit of the CFA) by the end of 2005. The CFA is the only body where SA as a non-member it sitting on the Bureau. SARS hosted the Advisory Group of the CFA (13-14 March) with record participation in terms of people and countries. A special roundtable was held on the third day focusing on African matters and taxation. Renewal of SA’s observership to the CFA has been granted for 2 years. [last updated: 23/03/06]
	DTI, NT, SARS, DPSA, DoA, etc	Participation in regular OECD Global Forums with non-member countries. Participation by DFA H/O & Mission Officials at the OECD Global Dialogue held on 11 – 12 April 2005 in Paris. Global Forum on Agriculture: Policy Coherence for Development	Participation of South African government experts in OECD Global Forums allows for OECD member countries to engage their non-member counterparts in policy dialogue and conduct peer assessments while sharing each other’s varied policy experiences. The Global Forums, held throughout the year, cover eight key areas: sustainable development, the knowledge economy, governance, trade, agriculture, taxation, international investment and competition. The Department of Agriculture was unable to participate at the OECD Global Forum on Agriculture: Constraints to Development of Sub-Saharan Agriculture (16 to 17 May 2006) but will consider attending the next meeting in November 2006. [last updated:22/05/06]
	National Treasury	OECD Global Forum on International Investment (GFII) hosted in South Africa, November 2003. As yet no formal participation by National Treasury.	In November 2003, South Africa hosted the OECD Global Forum on International Investment (GFII), focusing on modern governance and transparency for investment. The OECD’s Strategy on Investment for Development was formally launched at the GFII while the Johannesburg Statement on the “Main Building Blocks of Governance and Transparency Affecting Investment” was adopted. [last updated: 23/03/06]
	National Treasury	Economic Country Survey	In February 2003, discussions were held between the Mission & the OECD Economics Directorate with respect to the undertaking of an Economic Country Survey in SA. Due to cost implications of Euro 200 000, the project has be shelved. [last updated: ]
	SARS	Questionnaire on Transparency and Exchange of Information:	At the 67^th Session of the Committee on Fiscal Affairs, June 2004, the South African delegation was briefed about the project regarding transparency and exchange of information for tax purposes, in which the OECD wanted South Africa to become involved. The project would involve the 30 OECD member countries and approximately 60 non-OECD countries. The South African authorities were requested to complete a questionnaire / template on this subject and forward it to the OECD Centre for Tax Policy and Administration. SARS indicated that questionnaire outcome to be tabled at the end of September 2005. The questionnaire was submitted with few enquiries in respect of the answers. [last updated: 23/03/06]
2003	SA Government, NEPAD Secretariat, African Development Bank, World Bank	Regional investment initiative for Africa launched at OECD-Africa Investment Roundtable in November 2003. Regular update of the African Investment Initiative that was launched.	A new regional investment initiative for Africa was launched at the OECD-Africa Investment Roundtable in Johannesburg in November 2003, following a mandate of the 2003 OECD Ministerial meeting and building upon the conclusions from the meeting of the OECD-Africa Investment Advisory Board (Geneva, 8 September 2003). The Roundtable, held in partnership with the NEPAD, the African Development Bank, the World Bank and the Government of South Africa, has called for the launch of a result-oriented, inclusive and comprehensive Africa Investment Initiative to create a positive investment environment across the continent.
2006	DTI, NEPAD, NT	OECD Investment Committee	The OECD Investment Committee visited SA and met with DTI, DFA, NT to discuss SA’s possible joining to the Investment Committee. DTI has since forwarded to them the BEE Acts and Codes as requested. An invitation letter inviting DTI to attend, on an ad hoc basis, the OECD Investment Committee meeting in April 2006 was forwarded to the DG of DTI. The OECD is focusing more on Africa-OECD Investment Initiative looking to discuss with bodies such as the NEPAD Secretariat issues such as the investment climate in Africa. The OECD Investment Committee met with the NEPAD Secretariat. [last updated: 23/03/06]
	NEPAD Secretariat, AU	Co-operation and support for implementation of the NEPAD “Governance and Public Administration Programme”	Minister Fraser-Moleketi, as Chairperson of the “Committee of Ministers of Public Service”, established by the 4^th Pan-African Conference of Ministers, requested OECD support for the implementation of the NEPAD “Governance and Public Administration Programme”. As the African Governance and Public Administration programme centers on building country capabilities through the exchange of knowledge and active learning engagements, it is anticipated that the programme will benefit immensely from the experience and capacities of the OECD. The programme is a key capacity development intervention of the overall NEPAD programme and the overall OECD supportive dialogue with the NEPAD Secretariat is initially for a period of one year with the possibility of developing a medium-term supportive plan thereafter. In addition to the direct OECD support, the NEPAD Secretariat will, as part of it’s longer–term capacity development and sustainability strategy, consider the possibility of seconding an official to the OECD. Whilst the OECD will utilise its own internal resources to give effect to its support, the Secretariat will be responsible for all resources relevant for the specific outputs identified in the framework. Where appropriate, the Secretariat and the OECD could partner to raise additional resources for specific activities and outputs that are consistent with the framework and the programme of the Ministers. The last meeting was held in December 2005. There is continuous dialogue regarding the possible secondment of a person from DPSA to the OECD. [last updated: 23/03/06]
	Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA)	Application for accession to the OECD’s Convention on Combating Bribery of Foreign Public Officials in International Business Transactions, April 2004	In response to a Memorandum submitted by the Department of Public Service and Administration, Cabinet, on 31 March 2004, agreed that South Africa should proceed in acceding to the OECD’s Convention on Combating Bribery of Foreign Public Officials in International Business Transactions. This convention binds parties to full transparency in international commercial dealings, and seeks to root out corrupt business practices. In May 2005, SA was invited by the OECD Council to become a full participant in the OECD Working Group on Bribery in International Business Transactions, with the same rights & responsibilities as OECD Members. As such the above entails a formal process in having had to obtain legal advice from both the State Law Advisers at the Dept of Justice & DFA. The documents were forwarded to Parliament on 12 August 2005. [As background: South Africa became a signatory to the United Nations Convention Against Corruption in December 2003, as well as being in the process of ratifying the African Union Convention on Preventing and Combating Corruption and also having member status in the Southern African Development Community Protocol Against Corruption. Africa abroad]. [last updated:23/03/06 ]
	Department of Agriculture (NDA)	Participation in the OECD Seed, and Fruit and Vegetable Schemes; Co-operation to conduct an Agricultural Policy Review of South Africa	Discussions took place between the Department of Agriculture and the OECD in of conducting an OECD Agricultural Review of South Africa. An OECD technical team visited SA in mid-May 2004. According to the tentative timetable, South African and OECD officials will between September and November 2005 discuss the revised draft report. At the next Committee for Agriculture Meeting (5-6 December 2005), the revised draft report will be presented, and the meeting will include a policy dialogue with South African technical officials. In January 2006, final revisions will be made to the final version of the Country Study and then forwarded for printing. In April 2006, the release of the Country Study final report will take place. The feasibility of applying for Official Observer Status in the Committee on Agriculture is being given thought. A high level SA delegation of the SA NDA attended the142nd Session of the OECD Committee on Agriculture and the High Level Meeting of the OECD Committee on Agriculture that took place in Paris from 13 to 15 June 2005. The main aim of the 142nd Session of the OECD Committee on Agriculture was for the Secretariat to present the technical aspects of the work undertaken thus far in the reviews of the agricultural policies of four countries. The Brazilian, Chinese, Indian and South African delegations were given the opportunity to answer questions raised by OECD countries regarding agricultural policy reform in their respective countries. An issue that was raised was co-operation between South Africa, Africa and developed countries. Constructive outcomes emanated from this visit. (Refer to report of the visit). NEPAD and African Agenda Linkages: The undertaking of the Agricultural Policy Review and continuos policy dialogue with the OECD will meet the Agriculture Sectoral Priorities relating to NEPAD. These include improving Agricultural performance as a prerequisite for economic development; improving rural infrastructure and irrigation systems to ensue productivity in agriculture; and improving institutional support for agricultural research institutes. Increased agricultural productivity could facilitate international trade thereby meeting the NEPAD Market Access Initiative aimed at diversification of production, promoting African exports and ensuring the removal of non-tariff barriers. In addition, South Africa’s forging of a closer relationship with the OECD in terms of the constant monitoring of South Africa’s agricultural policies (and possible observer status to the Committee for Agriculture) would meet the NEPAD aim of creating new relationships with multilateral organizations. Policy dialogue with the OECD will also present regular opportunities for South African delegations to promote the African Agenda. The Policy Review will be launched in April 2006 in Pretoria and Cape Town. The launch will take place in 3 phases, namely, the launch by the Minister, a workshop, and a technical seminar. DTI trade negotiation team to work closely with Dept of Agriculture. [last updated: 23/03/06 ]
2004	Bond Exchange of South Africa (BESA), Deutsche Bank SA, Rand Merchant Bank and the World Bank	Hosted Seminar on “How to Reduce Debt Costs in Southern Africa” March 2004 with OECD Development Centre	The OECD Development Centre, in co-operation with the Bond Exchange of South Africa (BESA), Deutsche Bank South Africa, Rand Merchant Bank, and the World Bank, held an Expert’s Seminar on How to Reduce Debt Costs in Southern Africa in Johannesburg on 25 - 26 March 2004. The initiative was part of the Development Centre’s broader mandate to facilitate informal policy dialogue between the OECD and non-member countries, and succeeded in bringing together local financial institutions, academics, policy-makers and representatives from international financial institutions in order to: · Understand why the cost of capital is relatively high in Southern Africa (with a large focus on the cost of debt in South Africa) and discuss which policies and strategies might help reduce it; and · Assess the current state of and future prospects for financial regional integration and development. [last updated: ]
2003/04	National Treasury & the DTI	The Declaration on International Investment and Multinational Enterprises with the OECD – the DTI lead department	In March 2003, the OECD expressed interest in South Africa adhering to the Declaration on International Investment and Multinational Enterprises. Adherence to the Declaration would also mean that South Africa would become a (non-OECD member) participant in the Working Group on the OECD Declaration on International Investment and Multinational Enterprises. A detailed report on possible adherence was forwarded in April 2004 to the National Treasury and the DTI for their comment/consideration. It should be noted that the OECD Council invites interested countries to become signatories to the Declaration pending the completion of an Investment Policy Review in that specific country. Therefore, as a second stage to the undertaking of the Investment Policy Review in South Africa. Awaiting South Africa’s consideration to adhere to the above-mentioned Declaration. Minister Mpahlwa signed letter regarding Climate Survey – process to be followed. Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) indicated that it intended to finish a current strategy process focusing on an investment strategy which started with the Climate Survey and also looks at international perceptions on investment. It added that once it had finalised this process around June it would then proceed to focus on the Declaration. DTI indicated that they were continuing with bilateral discussions with the OECD on this matter. [last updated: 23/03/06 ]
	DTI	Participation in the Annual OECD Ministerial Council Meeting (joint session with non-OECD countries)	The Ministers of Trade and Industry successfully participated in the Annual OECD Ministerial Council Meeting held in May 2005. South Africa’s participation ensured access to intensified dialogue among trade policy-makers to ensure concrete Doha Development Agenda (DDA) results in preparation for the WTO Hong Kong Round. South Africa has been invited to participate in the Ministerial Council meeting for the past 4 years. (Refer to report - which was also tabled at the EDC). Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry, Dr Rob Davies to participate in May 2006. [last updated: 22/05/06]
	DTI + DOA	Membership of the Mutual Acceptance of Data (MAD) system in the assessment of chemicals within the Joint meeting of the OECD Chemicals Committee and Working Party on Chemicals, Pesticides and Biotechnology	South African membership of the Mutual Acceptance of Data System (MAD), within the regular session of the Joint Meeting of the OECD Chemicals Committee and Working Party on Chemicals, Pesticides and Biotechnology, enhances South Africa’s Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) to promote the development of test data that are reliable and of high quality, thereby forming the basis of the mutual acceptance data among countries. This in turn removes technical barriers to trade and improves the protection of human health and the environment. Being followed up with the DTI. DTI and NDA will follow up on the responsible persons. The Secretariat for Non-Proliferation (DTI) along with Disarmament (DFA) to be involved. [last updated:23/03/06]
	DST and Dept of Minerals and Energy	Implementation (under the auspices of the International Energy Agency) of the Agreement for a Programme of Research, Development and Demonstration on Clean Coal Sciences and other Implementing Agreements	Co-operation with the OECD International Energy Agency (IEA), a semi-autonomous OECD organ, includes cooperative research, exchange of information and other technology transfer activities. Close co-operation also allows for the expanding of geo-science research to enhance the utilisation of mineral wealth. DST to provide update of latest developments in co-ordination with DME and Disarmament (DFA). [last updated:23/03/06]
	DTI and DEAT	Ministerial participation in the respective roundtable discussions on Trade and Sustainable Development DEAT Environment Directorate to provide with latest developments. DTI indicated that Minister does participate in the roundtable discussions. DEAT (TOURISM BRANCH) Application for a closer cooperation with the Tourism Committee with the aim of seeking observership status.	Periodic South African participation in the OECD Round Table for Sustainable Development assists in generating policy ideas to achieve the sustainable development objectives of the WSSD. Dialogue allows for policy formulation and negotiating positions on the cross-cutting issues that comprise the sustainable development (and UN-CSD) agenda. Issues include governance, climate change, eco-taxes, sustainable development indicators, etc. Application for closer cooperation with the Tourism Committee with the aim of seeking observership status was considered very positively by the OECD Tourism Committee. We have received invitation to participate on an ad hoc basis, in the upcoming 77^th meeting of the OECD Tourism Committee, with a focus on SMMEs and statistical tourism-related issues. Meeting will be held in Rome on 22-23 June 2006. This invitation is being seriously considered by DEAT and South Africa’s participation will be accordance with the OECD Centre for Co-operation with Non-Members procedure and in agreement with the Tourism Committee [last updated: 23/03/06 ]
2005	Department of Social Development	South Africa’s application to participate as an observer in the Committee for Employment, Labour & Social Affairs.	South Africa’s application to participate as an observer in the Committee for Employment, Labour & Social Affairs was formally communicated to the SG of the OECD, A reply dated 16^th March was received from the Deputy SG of the OECD, Ms Asgeirsdottir, informing that SA’s request has been transmitted to the OECD Council for consideration in accordance with the rules & procedures concerning participation by non- Members. South Africa’s application is still under review. Requested status of SA’s membership as observer in the Committee for Employment, Labour & Social Affairs of the OECD. The Mission in Paris received a letter from the OECD indicating the decision of the Committee not to invite SA to participate as a regular observer. Prior correspondence indicated that that this referred to requests for membership from present applicants (RSA, Lithuania, Latvia and Chinese Taipei (Taiwan)). It was decided to offer ad hoc observership to these countries, on issues in which they are interested. The OECD has requested the Departments (Social Development and Dept of Labour) to indicate whether they wish to pursue this option. If the Departments wishes to proceed, they would need to review the Committee’s current work program and identify areas which are of greatest interest to SA for potential co-operation. The letter has been communicated to relevant Departments by DFA. [last updated: 22/05/06]
2005	DFA: Economic Policy & Programming Directorate	Participation at the OECD Global Dialogue held on 11 – 12 April 2005 in Paris, and also held meetings with various OECD Directorates. (Report to be circulated to Inter-departmental Working Group).	The Global Dialogue is a new instrument that was developed by the OECD in November 2004, in the framework of its outreach strategy, as an overarching high-level forum for policy dialogue between members and selected non-members of the OECD. The purpose of the Global Dialogue is to foster mutual understanding at a global level and to strengthen the OECD’s partnership with non-Members of strategic importance and to exchange experiences and views on the link between investment and development. ]
2005	DFA	South Africa’s application for Membership of the Development Centre & its Governing Board of the OECD	It was formally conveyed to the OECD that South Africa wishes to intensify closer co-operation and a more structured relationship with the OECD by applying for membership of the OECD Development Centre and its Governing Board. Cabinet took a decision in February 2005, endorsing South Africa engages through an incremental approach in its relations with the OECD. Such an arrangement would involve a long-term programme of alignment of the country’s economic and social structures with the OECD’s best practices and recommendations. Cabinet approved that SA joins the Development Centre (DC) and that it be located within DFA. Request made for R200 000 (Euro 25 000) in budget for annual membership fee. SA’s Membership to the Development Centre was approved. The letter of invitation by the Development Centre was received and subsequently a letter from the Minister of Foreign Affairs was sent to the OECD Development Centre accepting membership. SA has become a full member of the Development Centre from 21 April 2006. The Development Centre Governing Board met on 3 May 2006 and discussions focused on preparations for the medium-term review of the centre’s performance and initial proposals for the 2007-2008 programme of work. [last updated: 22/05/06]
		Development Centre	Minister Radebe attended the African Development Bank Annual Meeting: African Launch of African Economic Outlook 2005/6 in Ouagadougou (17-18 May)
2006		Development Centre	Minister Radebe has been invited to attend the OECD/AFDB Sixth International Forum on African Perspectives to be held in Paris, 7 June 2006.
	Dept of Science & Technology	SA/OECD Workshop on International S & T Co-operation for Sustainable Development; 21 – 22 November 2005 in SA.	The objectives of the workshop: (1) To identify good practices in international science & technology, especially between the OECD and developing countries, aiming at fostering capacity-building in science & technology, at facilitating effective diffusion of scientific knowledge & technology transfer. (2) To consider possible indicators of good practices in international science & technology co-operation for sustainable development & methodologies to evaluate international science & technology co-operation initiatives. [last updated: 23/03/06 ]
2006	Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)	Committee on Steel	An invitation was extended out to South Africa to apply for observership as a member to the OECD Committee on Steel (as per its decision at their meeting on 9^th February 2006). The OECD subsequently forwarded an invitation to South Africa to participation at India/OECD/IISI Workshop in New Delhi on 16 to 17 May 2006. DTI has indicated its intention to apply as an observer in the OECD Steel Committee. Confirmation of DTI representation at the India/OECD/IISI Workshop in New Delhi on 16 to 17 May 2006 was received. [last updated: 22/05/06]
2006	Statistics South Africa	Committee on Statistics	On 20 February 2006, an invitation was extended out to South Africa to apply for observership as a member to the OECD Committee on Statistics. No formal response has yet been received from Stats SA. [last updated: 22/05/06]