South African Interests in Taiwan

South African Interests in Taiwan

Diplomatic Representation

South African Liaison Office

South African interests in Taiwan are represented by the Liaison Office of the Republic of South Africa in Taipei. Details of the South African Liaison Office are:

Mr N S Schoombie
Representative

Liaison Office of South Africa

Taipei Liaison Office in South Africa

Taiwan's interests in South Africa are represented by:

Mr HSU P-Y
Representative

Taipei Liaison Office in the Republic of South Africa

Travel Info

Visa Requirements for South Africans

For more information contact Taipei Liaison Office in Pretoria.

Health Requirements

Common health problems that affect the visitor from South Africa are sinusitis, influenza, colds, gastritis and fever. Immunisation against Japanese Encephalitis and hepatitis A and B is recommended.

For further information go to Travelers' Health.

Climate Info

Taiwan has a sub-tropical climate with an average annual temperature just above 21,6C (71 F) in the North and nearly 24,1 C (75,7 F) in the South. Summer temperatures often reach 35 C (95 F). Humidity is very high throughout the year.

For up-to-date weather information click here.

Currency Info

The monetary unit is the New Taiwan Dollar and exchanges at US$1 = NT$35; or R1 = NT$ 3 on 9 January 2002. The interest received on regular savings accounts varies between 2% and 5%, while the interest rates on overdraft accounts are on average 14%. The abbreviation for the New Taiwan Dollar is: NTD and the symbol is: NT$

With a per capita gross national product of US$12,838, reserves of US$122 billion and an average annual growth rate of 5.7%, it is clear that Taiwan is wealthy. Indications are that this trend will continue in the future. Some of the shops in Taiwan accept cash as only form of payment while few of them are willing to accept cheques. Credit cards are accepted by most hotels, department stores and some larger retailers in urban centres such as Taipei. Electronic banking machines are available at branches of foreign banks operating in Taiwan and are rapidly being introduced by Taiwanese institutions.

For current exchange rates click here.

State and Official Visits / Bilateral Meetings

No Information

Bilateral Agreements

If you have any queries with regard to treaties please contact the Treaty Section at 012 351 0872/0851/0837.

Trade Statistics

South Africa's main exports to Taiwan include iron and ore, steel, machinery and electrical machinery, aluminium, motor vehicles, vehicle parts, coal, wood and woodpulp, copper, precious stones & metal (gold), granite, ores, organic chemicals, wool, tobacco, corn starch, preserved food and fruit juices.

Taiwan's main exports to South Africa include machinery (computer), bicycles, motorbike & auto parts, plastic resin and articles, yarn & fabric, iron/steel products, toys, sports equipment, handtools, rubber goods and optical goods.

For current information on trade statistics between South Africa and Taiwan, visit the web site of the Department of Trade and Industry of South Africa

Interest Groups and Information

South Africa-Republic of China (Taiwan) Chamber of Economic Relations (SAROC) - Johannesburg, South Africa.

Chairman: Mr MS Phalatse
Secretary: Mrs P Drotsky
Tel: (011) 3589700
Fax: (011) 3589773/4/6
Email: bess@sacob.co.za

The Republic of China-South African Economic Council (ROCSA) - Taipei, Taiwan.

Tel: 09-8862-27070111 ext 140
Fax: 09-8862-27017601
Email: cnaic@ms37.hinet.net

Chairman: Mr CS Yang
Tel: 09-8862-27768611

Secretary-General: Mr M Chiang
Tel: 09-8862-27063133