Indian High Commission to speak at BRICS conference

"India is increasingly becoming a major trading partner with the region and South African businesses should take the opportunity that our ties with India, both historically and through new initiatives such as BRICS (the Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa association of leading economies) afford for local businesses to establish a foot print on the Indian continent," says Stephen Oehley, director at South African Trade Promotions.

He says India has myriad business opportunities in sectors as varied as telecommunications and financial services. The India High Commission is expected to highlight opportunities for South African businesses to plant their flag.

There will be ample opportunities for delegates to network with other representatives with first-hand knowledge of the business environment in India. "Delegates from India-based conglomerates such as Tata Group will also be represented at the conference.

"Earlier this year, President Zuma announced a $15 billion target for trade between South Africa and India by 2014. The conference is designed to offer a platform for South African businesses to make sure they are benefitting from the expected boom in trade between the two countries."

Speakers will also offer insights on how to tap into the Indian tourism market. According to the official South African information website, tourism between South Africa and India has been growing at a high rate.

Minister of Tourism, Marthinus van Schalkwyk, says, "The number of Indian tourists travelling from India to South Africa has increased by over 122% between 2005 and 2010 and South Africa is continuing to attract Indian tourists in great numbers."

Among the distinguished speakers at the conference will be Michael Lalor, lead partner at Ernst & Young who will deliver a presentation on 'Unlocking Africa's Potential' and Hennie Heymans, MD DHL Express Central Africa and Indian Ocean Islands, who will speak on 'Logistical Challenges in Africa'.