Trade, Industry, and Competition Minister, Parks Tau, is nearing the conclusion of a “highly productive” work visit to India.

The trip has reportedly been instrumental in bolstering economic relations and identifying new market opportunities between India and South Africa. 

At the invitation of the Indian Minister of Commerce and Industry, Shri Piyush Goyal, Tau’s delegation has engaged in a series of high-level discussions with both government officials and prominent Indian businesses, while also playing a key role in the 20th India-Africa Conclave.

The visit, spanning from August 25 to 29, comes at a critical juncture for South Africa’s economy, which is grappling with a 30% US tariff on its exports and existing domestic protectionist measures. 

Tau has been actively exploring alternative trade partners to mitigate the tariff impacts, with India emerging as a crucial strategic ally.

Speaking to the publication on Thursday, High Commissioner of South Africa to India, Professor Anil Sookla, provided insights into the delegation’s itinerary and the positive outcomes achieved.

“Minister Parks Tau arrived in India on Sunday evening and went to Mumbai on Monday, where there was a roundtable discussion with Indian companies that are already in South Africa, like Tata and Mahindra, as part of his mandate to increase trade interests between the two countries,” Sooklal said. 

He added that the roundtable meeting was “very productive” and set a positive tone for the visit.

He said the focus then shifted to New Delhi on Tuesday for a pivotal bilateral meeting between Minister Tau and his Indian counterpart, Indian Minister of Commerce Shri Piyush Goyal. 

Sooklal described it as “an excellent meeting between the two ministers”, emphasising that the discussions centred on tangible actions to maintain and deepen trade ties. A significant outcome of this meeting was the mutual agreement to appoint dedicated teams from both sides to advance the trade agreement.

“Both ministers appointed a dedicated team on each side to take forward the trade agreement,” Professor Sooklal explained. 

He said the teams had been given a clear mandate and a timeline to collaboratively develop a framework document. 

“The teams have set a timeline to work together and come up with a framework document that will focus on getting the trade agreement between the two countries expedited, especially during these times when the United States is imposing tariffs on both countries. That was a very positive meeting.” 

A core objective of Tau’s visit is to “reset Indian and SA relations”, a sentiment reiterated by Sooklal. 

“This reset aims to foster a more robust and mutually beneficial economic partnership that can withstand external pressures and drive sustainable growth for both nations,” he said.

Beyond the bilateral engagements, Tau, accompanied by Deputy Minister in the Presidency Kenny Morolong, has actively participated in the 20th India-Africa Conclave, where South Africa holds the distinguished position of a partner country.

Both Tau and Morolong addressed the conclave, leveraging the platform to further articulate South Africa’s commitment to enhanced trade and investment, according to Sooklal.

“The South African presence in India during this visit has been notably strong, encompassing not only government officials but also key economic development entities,” he said.

Sooklal highlighted the active involvement of Brand SA, Newline Group, and the Industrial Development Corporation of South Africa Ltd (IDC).

A unique cultural exchange also marked the visit, as Minister Goyal extended a personal invitation to Tau to attend the Ganesha Chaturthi (an annual Indian commemoration) celebrations at his home on Tuesday night. 

“This gesture of hospitality further cemented the camaraderie and mutual respect between the two nations’ representatives,” Sooklal said.

Sooklal said: “The team is here to pitch South Africa as a lucrative investment destination and Minister Tau has helped raise the bar in terms of trade agreements, especially because South Africa is a gateway to Africa.” 

Tau and his delegation are expected to conclude their trip tomorrow. 

mashudu.sadike@inl.co.za

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