Indo-South African business relations

Strategically located on the world's major trade routesSouth Africa has been a premier trading hub of the world. The business opportunities between India and South Africa are immense and bilateral trade over the last 8 to 9 years has spiralled phenomenally from Rs 49.2 million in 1992-93 to Rs 93.78 billion in 1999-00.

India is the eleventh largest investor in south Africa providing opportunities for technology transfer in the sectors of health care and biotechnology, agro-processing, textiles, components for heavy and light industries including electrical and automotive. Ample scope for information technology drugs and pharmaceuticals, sports goods, leather goods and electronic components also exists.
After having successfully showcased Indian products under the 'Made in India' label twice in Mauritius and one each in Japan, Kenya, UK Tanzania and once already in Johanessburg, the decision to hold it in the same venue again is a well-thought out strategy.
According to a CII release, the African continent as a whole is an ideal form location from where India could reach out to the USA market by using it as a base under the aegis of the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act. This legislation passed last year in the US enables 34 qualifying African countries to make duty-free exports to the US.