The eThekwini municpality and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) signed a memorandum of understanding on Friday 25 May, sealing their commitment to work together to promote the interests of the manufacturing industry in the eThekwini municipal area.

Deputy mayor, Logie Naidoo, who is also chairperson of the city's economic development committee said, "The CII is a powerful voice representing some of the biggest conglomerates in the world. This memorandum of understanding will solidify the relationship that we share with Indian Industry. The focus is on attracting foreign direct investment that would grow economy of both our countries, and empower and integrate SMME's in the manufacturing industry."

Founded over 111 years ago, the CII is India's premier business association, with a direct membership of over 6300 organisations from the private as well as the public sectors, including SMEs and MNCs and indirect membership of over 90,000 companies from around 336 national and regional sectoral associations.

Shipra Tripathi, director of Africa at the CII, said of the agreement: "The signing of this memorandum of understanding is going to strengthen the economic tiers between eThekwini and the CII. This relationship will help a lot of SMME's and emerging businesses and ensure that Indians learning and knowledge of business is translated into a plan of action for South Africa and eThekwini municipality."

The CII's mandate is to create and sustain an environment conducive to the growth of industry in India, partnering industry and government through advisory and consultative processes.

The aim of the agreement is to position eThekwini on the manufacturing map of the world and to develop manufacturing advisory centres where manufactures could go to for assistance and advice.

Both parties undertook to: