Trade Minister aims to boost India ties

South Africa seeking to diversify export markets

- MASHUDU SADIKE

TRADE, Industry and Competition Minister Parks Tau is set to lead a delegation to Mumbai and Delhi next week at the invitation of Indian Minister of Commerce and Industry, Shri Piyush Goyal.

The visit's objective is to strengthen trade relations and deepen economic ties between South Africa and India while also exploring new markets. It will take place from August 25 to 29.

Tau is also scheduled to attend and speak at the 20th India-Africa Conclave.

South Africa's economy is under severe pressure due to a 30% US tariff on its exports and existing domestic protectionism, stifling competition and this dual challenge puts jobs, economic growth, and investment at risk.

However, Tau and the Minister of Agriculture, John Steenhuisen, in a recent briefing indicated that they are exploring alternative trade partners to mitigate these impacts.

They stressed the importance for the country to look beyond the US and explore other markets globally, with Steenhuisen mentioning countries in the East.

The Mercury's sister newspaper, Business Report, quoted Tau as saying at that briefing that South Africa was looking at Asian markets including Japan, Vietnam and Thailand, the Middle East and India.