South Africa looks to India, emerging economies, for strategic partnership

South Africa has pointed to the importance of closer co-operation with India and other emerging economies in order to improve its international relations.

"We will continue to work with countries and organisations of the developing south. For us, the strategic partnership with India, Brazil and China constitutes a critical pillar of our international relations," South Africa President Jacob Zuma said, addressing the South African parliament during the budget vote.

The global economic crisis has affected South Africa's economy which is facing huge job losses. Zuma reported a loss of around 1.79 lakh jobs in the first quarter of this year. The retail and wholesale, finance, manufacturing, mining and construction are the most badly hit sectors.

"We are now being hit by the full force of the recession," Zuma said.  

A training lay-off scheme is being worked upon to "keep at least some workers in their jobs and train them during the downturn," Zuma said.  

The scheme will provide training, benefits and allowances instead of wages to employees for a certain period of time.

Zuma has also called into attention the fisheries sector and the need to raise the country's agriculture production.