India, South Africa strengthen ties
14 September 2006
South African Deputy President Phumzile Mlambo-Ncguka concluded her four-day visit to India on Wednesday, having met senior government officials and business leaders in an effort to boost relations between the two countries.
During her visit, Mlambo-Ncguka met with Indian President Abdul Kalam, Vice President Bharon Singh Shekhewat, and Sonia Gandhi, the chairperson of the United Progressive Alliance.
She also interacted with the Confederation of Indian Industry and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry.
Mining, tourism, textile industries
In their meeting with their Indian counterparts, Mlambo-Ncguka and her delegation discussed cooperation in the mining, training, tourism and textiles industries.
She also visited one of India's information and communication technology hubs, to gain insight into how the two countries could cooperate in this sector.
Mlambo-Ngcuka was also told of South African visa administration challenges and the need to increase flights between the two countries.
"We cannot perpetuate binding constraints that we have identified in Asgi-SA [the Accelerated and Shared Growth initiative for South Africa]," the Deputy President said.
"We want to encourage tourism and business transaction, however, while we do that we must make sure that our security and all other matters are taken care of properly."
During her visit, Mlambo-Ngcuka also urged the CEOs of various companies to mentor the 54 South African students currently placed with firms in India to gain experience.
India 'a key strategic partner'
India is a key strategic partner for South Africa, Mlambo-Ngcuka told Indian business leaders on Sunday.
SA, India and Brazil signed the India-Brazil-South Africa (IBSA) agreement in 2003, and an SA-India chief executive officers' forum has been operating for the past two years.
Total trade between South Africa and India had increased significantly from 2004 to 2005, Mlambo-Ngcuka's office said in a statement.
"Exports increased by 100 percent, while imports increased by 55 percent, making India our 13th largest trading partner, both in terms of exports and imports," said her spokesperson, Thabang Chiloane.
"The underlying reason for this increase can be attributed to growing awareness in South Africa about opportunities in India, as well as Indian awareness about opportunities in South Africa.
"India is among the top ten investing countries in South Africa, with investments estimated to the value of R10-billion."
A century of Satygraha
Mlambo-Ngcuka's visit coincided with the 100th anniversary of Satygraha, the non-violent approach to redressing injustices first advocated by Mahatma Gandhi in South Africa in 1906.
South Africa will host Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in Durban in October to mark the centennial celebration of Satyagraha.
Mlambo-Ngcuka said India and South Africa shared a great deal as the largest community of Indians outside India was found in this country.
The Deputy President's delegation comprised Agriculture and Land Affairs Minister Lulama Xingwana, Eastern Cape Premier Nosimo Balindlela, and Deputy Science and Technology Minister Derek Hanekom and Deputy Trade and Industry Minister Elizabeth Thabethe.
SouthAfrica.info reporter and BuaNews
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