New delhi: South Africa and India have a significant opportunity to deepen economic cooperation in investment, trade, industrial development, and sustainable growth, President Cyril Ramaphosa said Saturday. He called for a new era in economic ties at the South Africa-India Roundtable in New Delhi, held on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit.

According to Anadolu Agency, President Ramaphosa emphasized the readiness for a new era in economic relations between the two nations, urging private-sector partnerships to transform policy discussions into commercially viable projects and long-term investments. The weekend summit in New Delhi, attended by the Chinese, Russian, and Iranian presidents, among other leaders, comes amidst the ongoing US-Iran and Russia-Ukraine conflicts.

President Ramaphosa highlighted renewable energy, green hydrogen, critical minerals, infrastructure, agriculture, and digital innovation as key areas for collaboration. He noted that South Africa's mineral resources and India's manufacturing capabilities could facilitate the development of electric vehicles, batteries, and other products.

Ramaphosa also encouraged Indian companies to invest in South Africa's infrastructure projects, pointing out that the country has identified 195 strategic integrated projects valued at more than $100 billion. These projects encompass transport networks, renewable energy plants, water infrastructure, and hospitals.

Emphasizing the potential of the digital economy, Ramaphosa mentioned the expansion of the Indian business services company Atain's site in Cape Town, which is expected to grow its local workforce from 1,500 to over 2,000 young South Africans. He also advocated for stronger partnerships among universities, research institutions, skills development organizations, and businesses.

"The strength of the partnership between our countries is not measured by the agreements we sign but by the impact we achieve," Ramaphosa stated.