Mumbai, May 23 (KNN) The South African government has invited Indian companies to invest in their Special Economic Zones (SEZs) and export to entire Africa, USA and European Union, as South Africa has  signed trade agreements with them.

Speaking at an interactive session organized by All India Association of Industries (AIAI) and WTC Mumbai, Andrea Kuhn, Consul General, Consulate General of the Rep. of South Africa, Mumbai said, “There are more than 13 Special Economic Zones in South Africa, where Indian companies can invest and export to entire Africa, USA and European Union, with which we have trade agreements.”

She assured visa to Indian businessmen and tourists in five working days stating that there are around 150 Indian companies in South Africa providing jobs to 20,000 people.

Highlighting the trade ties between the two countries since ancient civilization, Kuhn emphasized on rebuilding those ties and form modern partnership to address common challenges of poverty, environment sustainability, under-development and other global issues.

She also positioned South Africa as a gateway to Africa by pointing out that Indian companies can reduce the lead time to access African market from eight days to three days by in South Africa’s SZEs.

The session was followed by networking reception with delegates from trade & industry, financial institutions, consular corps, academia and consultancy organizations.  (KNN Bureau)