The chief director of communication for South Africa's Department of Science and Technology, Nhlanhla Nyide, recently visited India as part of a state delegation intended to strengthen economic and political ties between the two countries.

In this article, he describes how discussions centred on cooperation between South Africa and India following the collapse of trade talks at Cancún, which has stimulated many developing countries to pursue bilateral discussions and partnerships.

A common theme to emerge during his visit was the similarity of issues faced by both countries. Despite the differences in scale, India provides an important example for South Africa in promoting socio-economic growth through science and technology. By working collaboratively with India, Nyide hopes that South Africa will be prompted into action, both in basic research and areas such as intellectual property.

Link to full article in Cape Times