Remarks by Mr. R. K. Bhatia, High Commissioner of India at the inaugural session of ‘India Calling’ Conference, Johannesburg (August 2, 2007) Your Excellency Dr. Ashwani Kumar, India’s Minister of State for Industry; Mr. Patrice Motsepe, President, BUSA; Mr. Niraj Bajaj, President, IMC; Mr. Jerry Vilakazi, CEO, BUSA; Mr. Nayan Patel, Chairman, India Calling, IMC; Distinguished invitees, delegates, Ladies and Gentlemen; It is both my privilege and pleasure to welcome you and address you at this important business conclave. It is a special occasion for reflecting on how to strengthen the economic dimension of “the strategic partnership” between India and South Africa, and where it should be in a decade from now. 2. But, first may I express our deep appreciation for the initiative taken and energetic endeavors made by the two host organizations in making this conclave a reality. We are also appreciative of the Ladies’ Wing of IMC for arranging a special exhibition named ‘The Call of the Peacock’ – an elegant and yet mysterious phrase indeed! 3. This conference forms part of the centenary celebrations of IMC. It comes after the impressive celebrations we witnessed in the two countries, of the launch of the Satyagraha movement by Mahatma Gandhi on September 11, 1906. What a happy coincidence it is to note that Gandhiji was an honorary member of IMC. The all-pervading impact of Gandhiji’s legacy in bringing our peoples closer together and keeping them so, is recognized widely. Former President Nelson Mandela, who is a revered icon in India, observed: “As much as India is a particle of our country, so are we too a particle of India’. It is that (shared) history which makes it possible for each one of us to claim the immortal Mahatma Gandhi as our own national hero.” 4. Historical links of the past (i.e arrival of Indians since 1860; Mahatma Gandhi’s legacy; consistent and principled support by India to struggle against colonialism and apartheid in South Africa, and close relations between our leaders through several generations) paved the way for substantial cooperation on a broad front. This historical backdrop should also help us in deepening the relationship in future, especially in the economic field. 5. In recent years, business level cooperation has been triggered by the exceptional success of India’s economy, particularly since 1991 as well as the sustained growth of South African economy, quarter after quarter, since 1999. India’s success in crafting and executing its reform strategy has been hailed around the world. Her emergence ‘as the fastest growing free market democracy’ has been welcomed as a remarkably positive and beneficial development in world economy. Our interlocutors are never tired of asking us as to ‘how India did it’! 6. In the climate of growth, both in India and South Africa, it is no wonder that our economic relations have expanded considerably. Some of the noticeable features of our bilateral economic relations today are: speedy growth of trade; steady expansion of investment flows; setting up of new joint ventures and projects of capacity-building, skills development and transfer of technology; and ultra activism in the promotion of business, tourism and cultural exchanges. The year 2007 has especially turned out to be a year of noteworthy importance as about a dozen major promotional events pertaining to diverse sectors have been unfolding. This Conference, no doubt, is a flagship event in this context. 7. The 10-billion dollar target, set by President Mbeki and our Prime Minister in October 2006, of bilateral trade by 2010 will be achievable, going by the latest information. And now IBSA Trilateral Ministerial Commission has just set the target of USD 15 billion by 2010 for intra-IBSA trade. These are twin challenges that India Inc and South Africa Inc must accept wholeheartedly. They should also prepare to equip themselves with an appropriate road map. This conclave thus becomes a major attempt in the desired direction. 8. Through various interactions at Government and business levels, consensus has emerged about the specific areas of distinct complementarity, competitive advantage and potential cooperation. These mainly are: investment and exports in target areas; power and energy; infrastructure; mining; financial services; training and skills development; small and medium skill industry; media and entertainment; tourism; ICT; pharmaceuticals, biotech and healthcare. The challenge before us now is to secure an intensification of three Cs – contact- building, communication and cooperation among companies with matching interests and capabilities. They should be motivated to dialogue and then encouraged to move to the next stage of undertaking new transactions and crafting new business links, while keeping before them the long-term perspective. 9. In this process, we believe governments and apex business chambers, such as IMC, have important roles to play. Draft Agreements pertaining to commercial and economic sectors, currently under consideration, need to be finalized soon. Greater connectivity through more air links and easier movement of people through a friendly visa regime, is an essential requirement. Participation by companies in each country’s trade fairs and industrial expositions needs to be stepped up. Specialized interactions such as this conclave should be arranged more regularly. We are optimistic that new ideas and proposals will emerge at this high profile conference. We all will no doubt benefit from them. 10. In the end, let me express the hope that the call of India – and also ‘the call of the Peacock’ – will be heard by South Africa, bringing many more South Africans to India in future. By the same token, we also hope to see a higher number of Indians – businessmen, investors, professionals, tourists and others – visiting South Africa in coming years. We are confident that this will help India-South Africa relationship to step into a new era of enhanced substance and dynamism. 11. Once again, thank you all for being here and for making this Conference a notable success. You all can count on pro-active assistance and support of the High Commission of India and its subsidiary institutions in your task to deepen, diversity and strengthen economic cooperation between our two countries. Thank you for your attention.