Chairperson, I had not decided on the country where we would want to take our study tour. [Interjections.] That is a very good suggestion. We have these three conventions here which, on behalf of the committee, I would like to also implore this House to adopt.
These conventions before the House today are an important feature of our democratic order as we relate to other countries outside of our borders in relation to taxes. The main purpose of these agreements is to remove barriers to cross-border trade and investment. We have three of them; the first one is between our country and the Swiss Confederation, the next one is with the Portuguese Republic and then with the government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The double taxation agreements between South Africa and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Portuguese Republic are new agreements, and the one with Switzerland is a renegotiation of an existing agreement.
The convention with the government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia comes shortly after the visit by our President to Saudi Arabia in March this year, and it is South Africa's commitment to the relationship of the two countries. This agreement takes into account the unique nature of the two countries' regimes and provides for tax certainty in the treatment of our professionals who work there. An exemption from tax in the host state is provided for two years in respect of teachers and researchers.
Article 20 of the agreement with the Portuguese Republic differs in that it refers to the exemption in respect of professors and researchers only. The chairperson of the committee was fully briefed by the department on these conventions both prior to the ratification and after, and we are satisfied that they are in line with our country's policy and don't undermine any of our macroeconomic imperatives.
Therefore, on behalf of the committee I wish to implore this Parliament to ratify these agreements. Thank you, Chairperson.
There was no debate.