The Consul-General of India to South Africa, Vikram Doraiswami has paid Limpopo Premier, Cassel Mathale a courtesy visit during his trip to Limpopo this week. The two discussed matters of mutual interest ranging from culture and trade to agriculture and tourism. Emphasis was put on resuscitating the relations between Limpopo and the Indian state of Punjab. In 2006 the two provinces signed a Memorandum of Understanding which focused on education, agriculture, trade, investment and tourism, science, technology and research. The University of Venda also signed Memorandums of Understanding with three Universities in Punjab.
Premier Mathale committed the province to helping Indian companies that wish to bring Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs) in the province through the set up of ventures in mining and agriculture. “We are more than ready to receive them and link them to relevant departments. We have long had relations with India even before 1994, during our struggle against apartheid”, Mathale said.
The Indian Consul-General made an undertaking to help Limpopo set up more cooperatives for emerging farmers. India has a strong cooperatives market that Limpopo can learn from and emulate. He also emphasised India’s interest in agro-business aiming to make large productions of lentils and growing the agro-processing industry in the province.
Doraiswami also expressed his interest to establish a cultural centre in Limpopo. At present the Indian Consulate-General has established a centre in Johannesburg and recently they brought two cultural troops in collaboration with the department of Sports, Arts and Culture to perform in Limpopo. Concluding the visit Doraiswami invited Premier Mathale to India to make a new study of the opportunities available in the country.
For enquiries:
Phuti Mosomane
Cell: 082 729 2783
Tel: 015 287 6083
Source: Limpopo Provincial Government
