Pradesh
14 October 2006
Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh - The delegation first made a courtesy call on the
state's Chief Minister, Honourable Mr Raj Shekhar Reddy, on Friday, 13 October
2006. The visit created a media fanfare as journalists descended on the usually
stringently-secured government buildings, all armed with their tools of trade,
pens, notepads, laptops, mobile phones, video and tape recorders (that are
usually, for security reasons, not permitted in government buildings).
In their discussions, the premier identified possible areas of co-operation
between the Indian state and Limpopo and these included mining, agriculture,
tourism, skills development and biodiversity. "We have come here to begin a
process of exploring possibilities of formalising ties between our two
provinces."
The chief minister expressed his long-time desire to forge a partnership
with the province. "We have so much in common. All we need is the framework
within which we could co-operate around these areas you have outlined,
including possibilities of packaging and exporting our finished products to the
international markets."
The two political principals agreed that between now and the near future,
technical committees will be established which will give content to the
agreement framework established. "This will obviously be within the context of
the South Africa-India bilateral agreement, which was signed by President Thabo
Mbeki some two weeks ago," asserted Premier Moloto.
The premier invited the prime minister to Limpopo. "We extend our invitation
to the prime minister and a trade delegation from Andhra Pradesh to come and
visit our province to experience the huge trade and investment opportunities
available. Partnering with our local businesses will be the key to increasing
both provinces' economic positions in their countries and the world."
Enquiries:
Saul Molobi
Tel: (015) 287 6311
Mobile: 083 444 2822
E-mail: molobis@premier.norprov.gov.za
Issued by: Limpopo Provincial Government
14 October 2006
Source: Limpopo Provincial Government (http://www.limpopo.gov.za)
