MD & CEO, Texmaco Defence Pushes Chairman’s Vision of Defence – Rail Business in South Africa during his Meeting with Hon’ble President Cyril Ramaphosa

India and South Africa enjoy a close and multifaceted strategic partnership since 1997, which is underpinned by historic, cultural and economic linkages. Several high-level visits have been exchanged in the recent past, including visit of Prime Minister for the BRICS Summit in Johannesburg. About 1.5 million Indian Origin People live in South Africa and form an enduring link. Over 150 Indian companies have invested in South Africa employing over 20,000 locals. India is among the top five trading partners of South Africa. The bilateral trade has increased to US $ 10.65 billion in 2018-19 from US $ 9.38 billion in 2017-18. Both countries have close cooperation in the areas of vocational training, capacity building etc. Both countries share a common vision on a range of global issues and closely cooperate in various multilateral fora: UN, BRICS, G-20, Commonwealth, IORA and the IBSA.

In view of the growing importance of the above, bi-lateral and multi-lateral platforms, our Group Chairman, Mr. Saroj Poddar has been very consistent and focused on the growing business opportunities for Adventz Group Companies, especially Texmaco Rail & Texmaco Defence in the African continent as a whole and in South Africa in particular. He had reiterated his vision during his meeting with Dr. H N Manzini, the High Commissioner of South Africa in India, when Her Excellency called on the Chairman at his Kolkata office in September, 2018 along with her Minister Economic and Commercial. Apropos the presentation made by the Mr. Darbari, MD & CEO, Texmaco Defence, during this occasion, the Chairman expressed his desire for a close cooperation between Texmaco Defence and M/s. Denel and M/s Paramount for huge business potential with the Indian Army for the Assault Rifles 7.62 mm X 39 mm, and also a close cooperation with Texmaco Rail, in view of the fast emerging opportunities for EPC and Rolling Stock. The Minister Economic, Mr. Ricardo Andrews had assured that he would facilitate a meeting at highest levels, in South Africa at their Headquarters.

Mr. Darbari, MD & CEO, TDSPL, taking the above Chairman’s dialogue further, met Dr. Rob Davies, Minister, Department of Trade & Industry, Republic of South Africa. Mr. Darbari briefed him as well as the other Senior Cabinet Ministers, present in the Presidential Delegation which visited New Delhi on 25th & 26th January, 2019. He also made a presentation before His  Excellency, President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa, who chaired the deliberations of the CEO’s Forum in the presence of his six Cabinet Minister’s and CEO’s of important South African Companies desirous of doing business in India and Senior officials of important Ministries/ Department of Republic of South Africa. He highlighted that during the 10th Session of the Indo-South Africa Joint Ministerial Commission held in New Delhi 2019 led by Foreign Ministers of both the Countries, extreme satisfaction was expressed at the steady pace of cooperation in the Defence Sector, encompassing a wide range of engagements including Defence Production, Joint Collaborations, Manufacturing Research and Development, Training and Joint Exercises.

In this context, he requested the Hon’ble President Ramaphosa, for his kind consideration for facilitating close cooperation between certain Defence Companies of South Africa with Texmaco Defence, in view of the enormous business potential and requirements of the Assault Rifles by the Indian Army and para-military forces, including the requirements of high speed boats by the Indian Coast Guard. Mr. Darbari also highlighted how Texmaco Rail & Engineering Ltd., with its enormous expertise in EPC & Production of Rolling Stock, can partner with TRANSNET, for the development of Railways of South Africa. The Hon’ble President welcomed Mr. Darbari’s suggestions and asked Dr. Rob Davies, Cabinet Minster to continue this dialogue further.