Visit of the head of Reunion Island in South Africa [fr]
The Embassy of France in South Africa was honoured to host the visit of a delegation of the Reunion Island from the 12th to the 15th of October 2014. The delegation headed by the Prefect Dominque Sorain was composed of regional and locallly elected representatives, business people, academics and high ranking administrative representatives. More than 25 delegates met their South African counterparts in Johannesburg, Pretoria, Durban and Cape Town. The aim was to strengthen and develop new partnerships with universities, cultural and scientific exchanges and finalise commercial contracts. The delegation now seeks to set up a long term relationships with South Africa.
The main elements of the program:
Education
- Signature of a cooperation agreement between Durban University of Technology (DUT) and Reunion Island University, in order to facilitate the student exchanges and training between the two universities.
- The visit to the Cedara agricultural high school in Pietermaritzburg presented the opportunity to acknowledge the training activities led in partnership with the agricultural high schools of Saint Paul and Saint Joseph de la Réunion.
- The French School in Cape Town inaugurated its new campus in presence of Ambassador Barbier, Western Cape Premier Helen Zille and Senator Claudine Lepage (representing French people living abroad).
Economic relations
- The brand Chocolats Mascarin, a Reunionese product, will now be sold in Engen filling stations.
- The partnership with Royal Bourbon to set-up a production line of Ceres fruit juices in Réunion was welcomed by the Pioneer Food group.
Tourism
- Development of touristic opportunities between Reunion Island and South Africa was discussed during a meeting with South African minister of tourism Derek Hanekom.
- Regarding the numerous common points existing between Reunion Island National Park and Table Mountain National Park, a memorandum of understanding was signed in order to develop work relations between the two parks.