UCCI delegation SA visit in May

Responding to the invitation of Harris Majeke, South African High Commissioner to India, a 25 member business delegation of Utkal Chamber of Commerce and Industry (UCCI) will visit South Africa (SA) in May.

"The visit of the delegation is aimed at possible joint ventures in mining, power equipments, food processing and MSME (micro small and medium enterprises) sectors that will open up trade opportunities for both the countries," said Ramesh Mohapatra, President, UCCI.

As South Africa is a mining rich country and uses modern techniques for mining activities, the tie-up will help the mine owners of the state to reduce the cost of their operation, he added.
 

The visit of the business entrepreneurs starting from May 24 would span 10-12 days.

It may be noted, the country's mining sector contributes about eight per cent to GDP and India ranks among the top 10 countries in terms of the production of minerals such as manganese, iron ore, gold, chrome, ferrochrome and piped medical gases.

During his visit, Majeke has sought investments from India in mining, health, IT (information technology), pharmaceutical and education sectors.

The bilateral trade between the two countries for 2011-12 was $12 billion and is likely to touch $15 billion by 2015.

The emissary had informed that South Africa has formulated a beneficiation clause for value addition where the miners are allowed to dig the mines and go for the processing of metals.