SA, India signs maritime agreement

South Africa and India have signed an agreement to boost a maritime relationship, involving their shipping organisations and businesses.

The agreement also covers staff exchange and training programmes. It's been signed in Cape Town by Jeff Radebe, the transport minister, and TR Baalu, India's minister of shipping, roads and highways. Radebe says he is especially pleased with India's offer to give training to people from previously disadvantaged backgrounds.

Radebe says the training opportunities, especially for previously disadvantaged South Africans in India, augurs well for the support of the maritime industry in the country. The minister says the government has taken the opportunity with both hands to empower more black people in the specialised maritime sector.