His Excellency Thabo Mbeki, President of South Africa, Visits the NYSE

26 September, 2007

H.E. Thabo Mbeki, President of South Africa, rings The Closing Bell

Mr. Mbeki has been President of the ruling African National Congress (ANC) since 1997 and President of South Africa since 1999. As President of the country, he pioneered the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD) and is a member of its Steering Committee.

South Africa is the world’s largest producer and exporter of gold and platinum and also exports a significant amount of coal. During 2000, platinum overtook gold as South Africa’s largest foreign exchange earner. The country’s diverse manufacturing industry is a world leader in several specialized sectors, including railway rolling stock, synthetic fuels, and mining equipment and machinery. South Africa is a member of the World Trade Organisation (WTO).

In a vote of confidence in Mr. Mbeki’s economic and political management of South Africa, the world Football Authority, FIFA, awarded the country the right to host the 2010 FIFA World Cup in 2005.