TNI Bureau: While the POSCO issue and other mining projects are still rocking the state, South Africa has shown its interest for mining investment in Odisha. Rev Harris Majeke, the High Commissioner of South Africa, during his visit to Odisha, has proposed the government for investment in the state.

Recalling the contribution of late Biju Patnaik in South African liberation struggle, Majeke revealed about their intention to Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik to revive the cordial relation with the state.

Majeke met geo-scientists, mine owners and experts to study mining potential in Odisha during his three-day stay in Bhubaneswar. Earlier he visited Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata but finally recommended Odisha to be their next stop in the mining context.

Mentioning Odisha as a strategic destination for investment in mining sector he invited the Chief Minister and business tycoons of the state to his country and announced that a trade delegation would soon visit the state to explore business opportunities.

Majeke said that his country had expertise in deep mining. Claiming Odisha and his country are similar regarding mining opportunities, he wanted to take the opportunity of the past contribution of Biju Pattanaik as BJD is in power here.

The High Commissioner said, “I hope he (Naveen Patnaik) will come to South Africa and see the progress made in our country,” and also wanted to exchange cultural and educational facilities besides business opportunities.

The South African representative though did not presented any specific proposal for business or investment, showed keen interest to develop business ties with Odisha.