First ever South Africa Week to be held in India from September 9

NEW DELHI: Aiming to increase bilateral trade, South Africa will showcase its advanced agriculture and food processing techniques at the first ever South Africa Week in India from September 9.

The event will commence in Mumbai from 9-10 September and will then move to Gurgaon on 11-12 September. South African Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Senzeni Zokwana will attend the event in Gurgaon.

"The one advantage which we have is that our seasons are India-opposite, which means that what can be grown here in a particular season will be out of season in South Africa and the other way round. So, we can supply each other agricultural products which are out of season at a particular time," South African High Commissioner to India F K Morule told PTI.

South Africa Week will further promote bilateral trade among the two nations. The total bilateral trade hit $15.7 billion in 2012 with South African exports reaching $10.9 billion, whilst Indian imports reached $5.7 billion.

South Africa has advanced agriculture and food processing sectors due to the use of sustainable technologies, especially in supply, cold chain management and infrastructure development.

The programme, themed 'Cooperation in Agriculture and Food Processing', will see a confluence of government leaders, technocrats, leaders of business organisations, industry bodies, academics and researchers from both nations.

The South African delegation will also include farmers, along with businessmen, to come and exchange ideas to ensure that both countries benefit from the event.