Thank you, hon Ngonyama. Well, I suppose the developing countries should not be passive in this matter. I think we also have the responsibility to participate - as I indicated - as equals and to identify our own strengths and guide these institutions accordingly.
The general thrust of the thinking within the regional economic communities on the continent is that these institutions should be invited primarily to invest in bulk infrastructure development so that trade within the continent itself can happen without the current difficulties. If you go through the Central African Republic, which I did a few weeks ago, their access to any seaport is through Cameroon, and yet there isn't even a decent tarred road linking the capital of the Central African Republic to the seaport.
So, if these institutions could be directed to invest in the development of such infrastructure, that in itself would enhance the capabilities on the continent so that the developing countries don't present themselves as weak, without ideas and without understanding their own countries and economies. They should participate more as masters of their own situations. Thank you. [Applause.]
Attendance at, and outcome of, meeting called by the President
10. Mrs P de Lille (ID) asked the Deputy President:
Whether he attended a certain meeting (details furnished) that was called by the President and to which the chief executive officer of a certain company (details furnished) was invited; if so, (a) what were the reasons for the meeting and (b) what was the outcome of the meeting? NO2118E