India asks for early conclusion of Southern African Customs Union Preferential Trade Pact
By TIOL News Service
NEW DELHI, SEPT 12, 2014: EXPRESSING satisfaction over the conclusion of the First Meeting of JWG of India and South Africa, the Indian Agri Minister, Mr Radha Mohan Singh, urged his South Arican counterpart to expedite the talks over finalisation of India and Southern African Customs Union Preferential Trade Agreement.
Mr Singh requested his counterpart to increase the import of Grapes, Wheat, Sugar and Cotton from India which South Africa imports from the other countries of the world.
Mr Singh felt proud to say that 'the unique bonds between India and South Africa were civilizational and our friendship was deeply rooted in history. It was inspiring for both our nations to celebrate our common legacy and the struggle for freedom from colonialism and oppression. I would like to reiterate that Government of India is committed to assist South Africa in maintaining Gandhiji related heritage sites in South Africa and also seeks support of South African authorities in this regard'.
Recalling the successful State visit by former President of India Ms. Pratibha Patil in May 2012 at the invitation of President of South Africa Mr Jacob Zuma, Mr Singh said that President Patil had laid foundation stone for the Mahatma Gandhi Centre for Information Technology at Phoenix Settlement in Durban. The ITEC programme was also publicly praised by President Zuma as important contributor to capacity building in South Africa.
Mr Singh expressed hope that South Africa would facilitate successful implementation of the initiatives under India-Africa Forum Summit. India remains committed to working with Africa for achievement of its socio-economic development objectives through a process led by African countries, he said.
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