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12 November 2004

Gauteng Premier Mbhazima Shilowa will undertake an official visit to India as part of the provincial government’s commitment to strengthen ties with strategic international partners and in line with the South African Government’s commitment to build a better Africa and a better world.

The visit will take place from 13 – 20 November 2004.

The trip follows a pledge made by the Premier during the opening of the legislature that “this year we will enter into agreements with regions in Africa, Brazil and India.”

The Premier will be accompanied by the MEC for Finance Paul Mashatile, Director-General in the Office of the Premier Mogopodi Mokoena, Heads of Department of Education, Finance & Economic Affairs, and Health, Gauteng Economic Development Agency (GEDA) chairperson Moss Ngoasheng and CEO Charles Jonker.

The mission will focus on the following objectives - in line with the commitment of the national government to India Brazil South Africa (IBSA) (New Delhi Plan of Action): REWORD (clumsy)

* To hold exploratory talks with the state of Karnataka on a possible co-operation agreement;
* To identify areas of sharing information, experiences and learning for possible further co-operation with one or more states in India in sectors including health care, education, e-governance, ICT and infrastructure development;
* To attend the International Trade Fair in order to promote increased trade relations between Gauteng and India;
* To promote Gauteng in particular and South Africa as an investment opportunity and seek increased markets for Gauteng and South African products in India.

The mission will aim to gain first-hand experience in areas of mutual interest between Gauteng and the respective states in India.

For more information contact: Thabo Masebe
Tel: (011) 355 6036
Cell: 082 410 8087
Charles Phahlane
Tel: (011) 355 8678
Cell: 082 856 8188

Issued by: Office of the Premier, Gauteng Provincial Government
12 November 2004