The India High Commission in SA has revamped its Web site to further promote bilateral relations between India and SA in all areas of co-operation.
Speaking at the unveiling of the Web site in Johannesburg, yesterday, the High Commissioner of India to SA, Virendra Gupta, said: “Relations between India and SA have gained significantly in content and vitality since full diplomatic relations were established in 1994.
“Both countries today share a strategic partnership marked by close bilateral political consultations and common approaches to global issues.
“India and SA co-operate extensively in international and regional organisations, including the UN Security Council, G20, Indian Ocean Rim Association, Ibsa [India-Brazil-SA dialogue forum] and recently Brics [Brazil, Russia, India, China and SA].”
Gupta said bilateral trade between the two countries has now reached $10 billion.
“India is SA's sixth largest trading partner worldwide and SA is among India's largest trading partners in the developing world.
“Both countries have now set an ambitious target of bilateral trade of $15 billion by 2014. Foreign direct investment flows in both directions have also grown significantly over the past years.”
The site gives updated information and media releases on economic and business events in SA and India, as well as cultural shows or seminars being organised by the High Commission.
Also featuring on the site is a separate section on training and scholarship opportunities offered by the government of India to South African nationals.
“India has opened up its universities to South African students through the ITEC [Indian Technical and Economic Co-operation] programme. Currently, there are more than 100 students who have benefited from this initiative and we believe that this programme will have a positive impact in the long-run,” said Gupta.
The site also offers comprehensive guides to doing business in India, including detailed sections on investing in India as well as brief notes on India-SA relations.
It also details Indian companies and business organisations in SA, major Indian tourist attractions and links to major Indian government Web sites to facilitate in-depth Internet research on India.
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