Johannesburg — SOUTH African mining companies have been urged to use their advanced mining technology as a services skill to penetrate India's mining industry.

SA is one of the leading mining countries and has the potential to dig up to 4km underground in search of mineral deposits.

In comparison, India has the potential of digging up to 300m downstream, Patrice Motsepe, chairman of African Rainbow Minerals , said yesterday .

Mr Mostepe said SA could use this comparative advantage in mining technology to gain more economic opportunities from India's mining industry.

"There is a wealth of mining tradition in SA", that can be exported not only to India but also to other emerging markets, he said.

Mr Motsepe was speaking last night at the SA-India CEOs' Forum in Sandton.

The forum forms part of India's economic diplomacy and trade initiatives to enhance its profile on the African continent.

Tata Group CE Ratan Tata said the forum will elevate issues of mutual interest between the two countries' business communities. "SA is a very vibrant economy and opportunities here are quite invigorating," Mr Tata said.

The CE of Business Unity SA, Jerry Vilakazi, said the forum serves as a platform to accelerate bilateral trade between the two nations.

Mr Vilakazi said the forum also builds on the momentum of the recent state visit by President Jacob Zuma to India in June.

Trade and Industry Minister Rob Davies told the business people at the forum to use SA's "excellent political relationship" with India to pursue more business opportunities there and in other emerging economies.

"The whole plates of the world economy are undergoing major shifts to the South," Mr Davies said. He was backed up by Indian Commerce and Trade Minister Anand Sharma, who formed part of the discussions with the CEOs yesterday and who reiterated that the future of trade is located in developing countries.

"The emerging economies have been the engines of growth," Mr Sharma said.

During the forum, the CE of the Airports Company SA, Monhla Hlahla, called for more prominence for women entrepreneurs.