(period
2001- 2003)
§
On the understanding that trade is the engine of economic growth,
Argentina has endeavored to establish strong commercial ties with the African
countries, and, to that end, joint committees for bilateral trade development
have been established with a few such countries. Joint committees currently
exist with Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, Morocco and Algeria.
§
In addition in June 2002 Argentina joined the first Mercosur
trade mission in South Africa, in which 23 Argentine businesses from various
sectors participated. Another multisectoral mission is expected to be dispatched
shortly.
§
In an other area of cooperation, during 2002 Argentina sent
a high- ranking official of the National Gendarmerie to the United Nations
Organization Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUC), whose work
drew praise from the United Nations and local authorities.
§
Argentina also welcomes the stepping-up exchanges with
Africa in the cultural and scientific fields, which it will endeavor to
consolidate and strengthen in the coming years
Regarding
links with the African region, it should be noted that the Republic of
Argentina has been a member of the African Development Bank since 1985 and
hopes to renew that relationship as soon as possible, to be able to participate
in projects funded by the Bank.