SME Times News Bureau | 16 Nov, 2011
India and South Africa Tuesday agreed to boost trade and investment and further strengthen bilateral cooperation in micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) sector.
Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Jyotiraditya M. Scindia held bilateral talks with visiting South African Trade and Industry Minister Elizabeth Thabethe to discuss the areas of business cooperation.
During the discussions, Scindia reiterated the offer of India's full cooperation for the development of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) sector in South Africa, according to the official statement released after the meeting.
Scindia offered to cooperate with respect to the structural issues and the dovetailing of IT into the handicrafts and handloom sector and exchange of vocational training and IT skills.
Thabethe appreciated the development of small and medium enterprises in India, especially of rural artisans, as well as the "cluster model" adopted in many sectors.
Thabethe is visiting New Delhi to participate in the 31st edition of the annual India International Trade Fair (IITF) that opened here Monday. South Africa has put up a "National Pavilion" at the fair showcasing the craft products of 20 artisans selected from across South Africa.
