India and SA ripple effect

Forum established to encourage business between two countries

KWAZULU-NATAL business role players have joined forces in a bid to encourage economics links between India and South Africa.

The KZN India Business Forum, made up of professionals from the fields of tourism, financial investment, local government, legal fraternity, real estate, business, engineering and construction, science and research, was launched this week at a gathering at Durban’s Pavilion Hotel.

Omie Singh, the forum’s chairperson and former parliamentarian, said the aim of the forum was to grow the economy and create jobs.

“Businesses will also benefit locally and in India. It will be a two-way process. We want to stimulate the Kwazulu-natal economy through business investment and tourism. For every tourist that comes, it has a ripple effect, especially in the hospitality sector.

“We have business people who come from diverse backgrounds and offer diverse skills. We want Indian investors to know that they are dealing with credible businesses. The forum will serve as a conduit and be able to recommend business people. There are businesses in India and South Africa looking for partners and to have their products launched in South Africa,” said Singh.

He said once rolled out, he would like to see forums of this nature in other provinces and engaging with other countries.

ethekwini’s Economic Development and Business Support deputy city manager, Philip Sithole, said the forum needed to send a clear message that it was a country-to-country initiative that was open to everyone.

“There is a perception that business opportunities and projects go to the Indian community. Through a forum like this there is a need to address such things.

“Once the forum has been formalised and the board elected, we need to engage further because ethekwini is doing very little with India,” said Sithole.

Singh reiterated that the forum was open to everyone and not just Indian businesses.

Sihle Ngcamu, Trade and Investment

KZN (TIKZN) executive manager: Investment Promotion, said government depended on the private sector to create jobs.

“We are in support of forums that are progressive,” said Ngcamu. He said TIKZN had a number of programmes to help support business forums and chambers.

Fawzia Peer, former ethekwini deputy mayor, who was elected as a board member of the forum, welcomed any form of investment opportunities and engagements that would help grow the local economy.