BACKGROUND

The South African Netherlands Transport Forum (SANTF) was originally established in 1999 by the Dutch Ministry of Transport, Public Works and Water Management and the South African Department of Transport. Both Ministers signed a protocol which concerned the Bilateral Cooperation in the fields of transport and infrastructural development. As of 1 February 2003 the secretariat of SANTF was moved to the South African Netherlands Chamber of Commerce (SANEC). SANTF will focus on promoting and establishing anactive bilateral Business to Business network in the field of transport and infrastructural development. In particular in sea (maritime), rail, road, air and agri-logistics.

The SANEC offices in the Netherlands and South Africa will be used to assure a high quality standard for all SANTF activities. With the SANTF website as a tool (www.santf.org), SANTF will be able to ensure long term operational efficiency and a consistent visual identity. Relationships with transport related Dutch and South African organisations in both private sector as well as government sector will be intensified and possibilities for cooperation will be explored.