New Delhi, Sep 12 (IANS): In the context of economic turmoil and global recession, the estimated $11.15 billion trade between India and South Africa in fiscal 2013-14 was a remarkable development, Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh said here.

Singh conveyed this to South African Agriculture Minister Senzeni Zokwana when the two ministers met Friday and discussed the trade prospects between the two countries, an agriculture ministry release said.

Singh also requested Zokwana to increase the import of grapes, wheat, sugar and cotton from India, it added.

Regarding the pending India and Southern African Customs Union (SACU) Preferential Trade Agreement, Singh said: "We together could secure our economic progress against fluctuations in the western countries by early finalisation of the SACU preferential trade agreement."

During the meeting, Singh expressed the hope that South Africa would facilitate successful implementation of the initiatives under the India-Africa Forum Summit.

The third edition of the India-Africa Forum Summit of leaders is due to take place here this year, though no dates have been announced so far.