A delegation from South Africa representing the Gauteng Growth and Development Agency which is promoting the upcoming GautengIDZ (Industrial Development Zone) located near the O.R.Tambo International Airport in South Africa held a meeting with GJEPC Committee members in Mumbai yesterday.

Council was represented by Chairman Praveenshankar Pandya and Western Region Chairman Ashok Gajera, while the S. African delegation comprised Maidei Matika, Sr. Manager: IDZ Stakeholder Relations and Acting Executive: Strategic Partnerships: Gauteng Growth and Development Agency, South Africa; Lauren Patlansky, Managing Director: Asia Desk, Grant Thornton South Africa; Phillip Mtsweni, Consul: Economic and Rajan Kumar, Advisor: Business Development, both from the South African Consulate, Mumbai.

The visitors outlined the plans for the new IDZ and said that they would assist potential investors in setting up businesses / factories there. Support in terms of finance and logistics would also be provided, if required. The zone will also have a Refinery that is being set up by Metal Concentrators, a renowned refiner and supplier of precious metals in South Africa.

In response, the GJEPC Chairman suggested that the zone should also make sure there is an assured supply of rough diamonds from the mining companies to those setting up units in the zone. The delegation agreed to consider this suggestion.