In engineering sector, both light and heavy engineering goods have bright opportunities in the region. The major items are machine tools, casting and forging, automobile parts, hand tools, building hardware, agricultural implements. An excellent opportunity exists for expanding the sphere of engineering goods in the South African market. Joint ventures South Africa is a leading trade partner of India today. Besides being a principal importer of a large number of Indian consumer and Industrial products, it is also a collaborator in several joint ventures.
Vast opportunities exist in the investment and joint venture sectors.
In African continent, South Africa is regarded as technologically advanced country, and it in a comfortable position to set up joint ventures in several key sectors. Coal mining technology, steel Industry, construction Industry, energy generation and manufacturing of power equipment are some of the key areas in which Indian companies can take advantage of South African know-how and technology. Sectors providing opportunities in possible JV Indian participation in South African based joint ventures exists in textiles, agro processing and pharmaceutical sectors. Possibilities of joint collaboration are also being explored in setting up electrical goods, automobile parts and machines tools manufacturing units. Volume of bi-lateral trade Before lifting of trade sanctions in 1993, trade between the two countries was of negligible value.