South Africa (SA) is looking to deepen its economic and investment relationship with India, as Brand SA presents the country’s investment case to Indian government and business leaders in New Delhi.

The push comes at a critical time, with India and the Southern African Customs Union moving towards negotiations for a preferential trade agreement.

SA is also highlighting recent improvements, including the end of load shedding, its exit from the Financial Action Task Force grey list and a sovereign ratings upgrade, as it seeks to attract more foreign investment and position itself as a gateway into the wider African market.

With the 18th Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa (BRICS) Summit just days away, SA is hoping to turn stronger diplomatic and trade relations with India into concrete investment opportunities, particularly in sectors that can support growth, jobs and industrial development.

Social Commentator Donovan E Williams says this is a step in the right direction.

“By both BRICS as well as SA business in general through the leadership of government, I think it is very important. It is important because intra-trade between BRICS partners can help traverse or navigate us through this difficult economic period that we are all going throughout the world, as the major trade war between China and the United Stutes has massive repercussions, as we have seen already with the invasion of Iran. SA has to use its comparative advantage, its political background and history with countries like India and Brazil, where they share very common matters, and it can really help in taking this forward.”

–ChannelAfrica–