IRAN AND SOUTH AFRICA SIGN A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING TO BOOST BUSINESS AND HOUSING DEVELOPMENT

The South African Government and the Islamic Republic of Iran today signed a Memorandum of Understanding to co-operate on housing development and technology at the conclusion of a four day visit by an Iranian delegation hosted by the Minister of Housing, Ms Lindiwe Sisulu.

The Memorandum of Understanding covers the exchange of expertise between the two countries to assist with solving problems of increasing urbanization and housing architectural practices.

The two countries will explore possibilities for joint research in the fields of physical planning at national and regional level, urban design, Georgraphic Information Systems and seismology.  In addition, they commit to building research centers and organizations in the two countries to exchange information and expertise in housing development.

For business in South Africa and Iran, the two parties have agreed to promote co-operation between companies in the building and construction sector, particularly in mass construction of housing and construction of low cost and appropriate prefabricated housing units. 

This could include opportunities for investment, the facilitation of specialized exhibitions or seminars on construction material and services, exchange information to tender possibilities, and the development of networking opportunities between the private sector in both countries.

Iran has similar experiences and housing challenges. However, their tribulations are exacerbated by their country being prone to environmental hazards such as earthquakes. Thus, the Iranians are interested in how to build physically secure human settlements. To this end they will also be meeting the CSIR tomorrow to discuss technology options that can be useful to them.

To ensure the smooth implementation of the agreement, a joint working group for the general management of all projects undertaken in pursuant of the Memorandum of Understanding was establish and will interact regularly reporting to both ministers at six month intervals.

The Iranian delegation is led by the Minister of Housing and Urban development, H.E Mr. Ali Abdol –Ali-Zadeh accompanied by Deputy Minister of Housing and Managing Director of the National Housing and Land Agency, Mr Ferydon Darvish Zadeh, Iranian Ambassador, HE Mr Mohammadali Ghanezadeh and other senior officials.

Issued by Housing Ministry