Even as the Government failed to break the deadlock over the action taken report (ATR) on the securities scam, the Opposition stepped up its political campaign demanding the withdrawal of the report. Lok Sabha Speaker Mr. Shivraj Patil’s efforts to break the deadlock failed to bear fruit. The Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, Mr. V. C. Shukla, said no headway could be made as both sides stuck to their respective stands. Mr. Patil, however, continued with his efforts. The National Front-Left Front combine released an eight-page response to the ATR. The rejoinder accused the Government of shielding the culprits and said it was doing nothing to ensure that such a scam do not recur.

China leads way in S. Africa

The stiffest competition for Indian goods and businessmen gravitating towards the newly-opened South Africa market will come from the Chinese and their products. From pillow cases to crockery to heavy machinery, Chinese products have permeated the South African life. Not surprising because even when economic sanctions were in place against South Africa during the apartheid years, Chinese products were freely available, and, today, the trade between the two countries is of the order of $600 millions (Rs. 18.60 crores). The India-South Africa trade, on the other hand, is a poor Rs. 2.06 crores. If over European and American goods the Chinese manufacture has cost advantage, over African products it is in terms of quality... The perception is that the South African and Chinese markets can be complementary to each other and that in the coming months trade will spurt. Of the total trade of $600 millions, the Chinese share is $200 millions and the South African $400 millions.

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