France K Morule, South Africa's High Commissioner to India, told reporters here today that he had met Punjab Governor Shivraj V Patil and also Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal and held talks with them regarding the forthcoming tie-ups with the state.
He said there were surplus coal deposits in South Africa and a regular coal linkage would be established with the state of Punjab for its thermal plants.
He was accompanied by an entrepreneur Vikramjit Singh Sahney, who is the President SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Honorary Consul, Republic of South Africa for Northern India.
"We are here to promote trade investments, tourism and cultural exchange with Punjab as we have historical bonds between the two countries," said Morule.
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He said soon a study team would be sent from South Africa to study viability in the Kinnow processing sector of the state.
Talks were also held to facilitate zero customs duty between the two countries, which would further held in encouraging more tie-ups between South Africa and Punjab.
He said there was room for educational tie-ups as well between South Africa and Punjab.
When asked if there was any intent to sell South African wines in Punjab, he said certainly that is one area which can be looked into.
Sahney said South Africa would also be partnering with companies in Punjab in developing infrastructure.
He said the South African High Commissioner has also extended support to the Punjab farmers for making use of the several acres of fertile land available in South Africa for pulses, oil seeds and sugarcane.
He added, for promoting tourism between the two countries a proposal for setting up a wildlife park in Punjab was also discussed for which some land would be given by the state government.