Durban: A 40-member business delegation from South Africa will be participating in the India-Africa Project Partnership Conclave, 2008 held from March 19-21 in New Delhi. The conclave, held ahead of the India-Africa Summit in April, would discuss around 131 projects worth USD 10 billion and focus on areas including agriculture, energy among others.

Led by Zweli Mkhize, Minister of Finance and Economic Development of KwaZulu-Natal Province, the delegation would include government officials and leading businessmen representing different sectors of the South African economy.

Making the announcement here yesterday, Indian Consul General Harsh Varshan Shringla said the Conclave, organized by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and the Export Import Bank of India (EXIM Bank), has created benchmarks for the engagement of industry and government from India and the African region. "The last conclave, held in October 2006,saw the participation of over 326 delegates representing 32 African countries, four regional organizations and six banking and financial organizations," Shringla said.

"It was the largest ever congregation of African nationals for a business conference in India," he said. The Consul General further said: "Over the last three years, projects in various sectors have been discussed and implemented as a result of the CII Conclave.

As of date, projects worth USD 677 million are in the process of being executed by Indian companies." While being in India, Mkhize would participate in the Dialogue of Ministers panel to bring forth the "views and opinions" of the thought leaders from India and Africa," Shringla added.

Source : PTI