Exim Bank keen on south African trade

India has high potential to increase its bilateral trade and investment with the Southern African Development Community (SADC) member countries, according to a study by Exim Bank titled 'Select southern African countries:A study of India's trade and investment potential'.

Trade between SADC countries and India rose from $1.5 billion in 1997-98 to $3.3 billion in 2002-03.

Indian exports to SADC countries could grow for items like machinery and transport equipment, paper and wood products, textiles, iron and steel, plastic and linoleum products, rubber manufactured products, agro products, chemicals and pharmaceutical products.

The countries could be important sources for import of metallurgical goods, diamonds, gold, inorganic chemicals, electronic goods, coffee and cashewnuts.

Sectors with potential for investment included tourism, pharmaceuticals, construction, electronics, computer software and accessories, information technology related products, financial services and textiles.

SADC countries included Angola, Botswana, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Seychelles, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe.