WTVM.com and WTVM News Leader 9, Columbus, GA | South African Visit

South African Visit

Leaders from 11 South African countries visited Auburn University Wednesday.They were looking into trade opportunities with Alabama and the United States. Knowledge, being the most important commodity.

African leaders from 11 different countries sat down with Auburn University leaders to discuss possible trade ideas. Creating exchange programs between AU and South African Universities is a main goal. The hope is that Auburn University students will travel the continent, then come back to the states and dispell the false idea that Africa is dangerous for tourists.

South Africans are also learning how to start Research Parks, similar to Auburns. The park partners business and student based research to develop technology-based information and products. Dr. Royrickers Cook, Auburns vice president of university outreach, is excited about the possibilities.

"I know think they are where we are in terms of utilizing the universities to drive some of the technology being develop in their respective areas,' said Dr. Cook.

There is also talk that Alabama could provide timber to the South African region, possibly wireless networking systems and other types of technology. Wednesday's meeting, is the first of it's kind, for Auburn. Leaders say it's been a good first stepping stone.