The South African Minister Rob Davis invited Indian pharma companies to set up manufacturing units in South Africa (SA). The SA Government under its national industrial policy framework (NIPF) is providing a suite of incentives for various sectors which includes the pharma sector as well. It has expressed that there is an unexplored potential for the pharmaceutical industry in SA.

In a conference organised by the Confederation of India Industry (CII) and Business Unity South Africa (BUSA) at Mumbai, Rob Davis, Minister of Trade and Industry, Republic of South Africa stressed on the opportunities and challenges for the two nations with sector-specific discussions. "There is space for foreign investor in SA and we want to inform the Indian investors about this opportunities," Davis said.

In the conference on 'India - South Africa: Sharing Business Opportunities', Davis informed that there is an immense opportunity for Indian pharma companies in SA. Especially for those companies who are interested in having manufacturing units in SA. He said, "We are open for discussions to decide the terms of tender with those companies who are interested in setting up manufacturing units in SA."

He emphasised the need for HIV and anti retrovial drugs since SA is one of the fastest growing HIV afflicted country in the world. An estimated 5.7 million people were living with HIV and AIDS in South Africa in 2009, more than in any other country. Thus seeing the present condition, the Department of Health, SA is focusing on setting up manufacturing units for anti retrovial drugs to meet the growing demand of the same.

The South African Government, through its national industrial policy framework (NIPF) has identified certain sectors of the economy with potential for development. Pharmaceutical sector is among those and would be receiving specific attention from the government.

"Our aim is to diversify from the present economy and move to a knowledge economy and promote labour intensive industrialisation. We are undergoing important changes in our economy and are focusing on various infrastructural changes that will boost our economy."

The conference was attended by over 200 delegates from South Africa accompanying its President, Jacob Zuma, on his first Presidential visit to India.