For this assistance, and for the moral support and commitment from the Japanese government, we are grateful. But governments can only go so far and not further. Their task is to create conditions for development. What is required is bold and innovative thinking from the private sector in both our countries. It is appreciable, therefore, that the advent of democracy in South Africa has seen trade relations with Japan being strengthened.
Japan is now our fourth biggest trading partner.
This, however, is not nearly enough, given the potential, both in the magnitude of such trade and its character. Bold and innovative decisions are required particularly with regard to investment. There have been several important ventures in the minerals and metals extraction and processing industries. But Japanese business is famous for its achievements in the manufacturing sector, and this fame is well deserved. It is in these areas that we wish to see your greater involvement in our economy.