Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has said that Madhya Pradesh will initiate necessary steps for cementing economic and cultural ties with South Africa. He held discussions on various issues with a South African delegation led by High Commissioner FK Morule here on Thursday.
The Chief Minister informed the delegation that Madhya Pradesh is the fastest growing State in India. State’s economic growth rate is 11.2 per cent and between 15 per cent and 18 per cent agriculture growth rate, which is maximum in the country. Madhya Pradesh is a State with immense potential.
Chouhan said that the State has immense potential for investing in sectors like tourism and textiles. Madhya Pradesh looks forward to increase friendly ties with South Africa. Mahatma Gandhi had started Satyagrah from South Africa. Great leader Nelson Mandela is a source of inspiration for Indian youths. Thus, Madhya Pradesh and South Africa are closer with each other culturally also.
Morule informed that high-level discussions have been held with the State’s representatives and industrial and commercial institutions. Discussions have been held on increasing investment in various sectors including coal and diamond mining.
He informed that 52 MoUs have been signed between South Africa and India for increasing business.
Unemployment rate in South Africa is 24 per cent. Most of youths are unemployed and unable to run self-employment. Possibilities can be explored to impart job-oriented training to these youths in India and Madhya Pradesh.
Morule said that citizens of South Africa and India are impressed by each other. The place where Mahatma Gandhi and Nelson Mandela were incarcerated in South Africa has been declared as national heritage site. Thousands of people come to see this place.
People also come and pay obeisance at the place where Mahatma Gandhi was de-trained. In this context, special initiative can be taken for increasing tourism between Madhya Pradesh and South Africa.The Chief Minister said that Madhya Pradesh has made efforts for fast growth of sectors like agriculture, textiles, skill development and small industries. Under such circumstances, mutual cooperation with South Africa will strengthen economies of both.
Principal Secretary to CM Manoj Shrivastava, Secretary Vivek Agrawal and other senior officers were present on the occasion.