PM to sign agreements, discuss Nuclear cooperation

Durban, Oct 1: With an objective to giving new meaning to bilateral ties, India and South Africa will impart "strategic content" to their relationship by signing a plethora of agreements in investment and business sectors and working closely in civilian nuclear energy area, besides pushing for speedy reforms of the United Nations.

The two countries are set to sign a clutch of agreements in science and technology and commerce to further enhance bilateral trade which stood at four billion dollars in the last financial year. A preferential trade agreement with South African Customs Union (SACU) and Bilateral Investment Protection Agreement (BIPA) are also likely to be inked during Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh's visit.

There is a realisation that trade ties have not been fully exploited by the two countries. There are bright possibilities for investment in Information Technology, tele-communication and pharmaceuticals.

Dr Singh kicked off his visit by taking a train ride at the historic Pietermaritizberg Railway Station, about 75 Km from here here last evening, where Mahatma Gandhi was evicted from a first class compartment in 1893. This incident changed the course of India's freedom movement as it transformed 24-year old M K Gandhi from a lawyer into the Mahatama, Dr Singh added.

In the field of nuclear cooperation, South Africa, after initial reservation, has now openly come up in support of the Indo-US nuclear deal and had offered to fully support India in the powerful Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) of which Pretoria is an important member. Nuclear coooperation will prominently figure in the discussions between Dr Singh and South African President Thabo Mbeki. "We expect positive and pragmatic approach from South Africa on this issue," official said.

An important intiative, which would give boost to the bilateral trade and business ties, is the Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA eventually leading to a Free Trade Agreement between India and South Africa Customs Union. An agreement of reciprocal promotion and protection of investment is also under active consideration.

UNI