Plans were well underway to build a new world powerblock uniting Africa, Asia and Latin America through free trade agreements, Foreign Affairs Minister Nkosozana Dlamini-Zuma announced yesterday.

"This will give us a stronger voice in market-related forums," she said in Pretoria while reporting back on a visit to India.

Zuma said during her visit he met her counterparts from India and Brazil and also South African ambassadors from the Asian block.

"This is the first time we are attempting a trilateral agreement between India, Brazil and South Africa (Ibsa)," said Zuma.

She said the three countries, whose people made up the majority of the Southern hemisphere's population, would embark on South-South co-operation. South Africa would be the bridge.

"We have a lot in common and it will also give us more clout when dealing in North-South negotiations," she said.

Already, loose agreements have been reached in terms of piece and security co-operation as well as issues surrounding the conflict in Palestine, United Nations reform, sustainable development and other social issues.

Zuma said it would be up to the individual ministers to embark on detailed discussions, but added health had already been highlighted.

She said Ibsa agreed to co-operate in industrial research and development, the pharmaceutical sector, the creation of vaccines, the building of laboratories and the securing intellectual property rights.

"We have also agreed to improve transportation routes within Ibsa, as any form of co-operation requires good transportation.

This related to air- and sea routes," she said.

It was agreed the Air Services Agreement between Brazil and India would be finalised in April 2004 and a trilateral co-operation Agreement on Air Services would be considered and finalised before the end of 2004.

South African Airways (SAA) already has four flights a week to Mumbai, India, and five flights a week to Sao Paulo, Brazil.

SAA said its new Airbus would be doing the Sao Paulo route because of the destination's proven popularity. Zuma said tourism ministers from the three countries would be meeting before the end of June and that the ministers of defence had already met.

She also hinted at the controversial act of removing visa requirements from many poorer nations visiting South Africa.

"This issue will be finalised when our tourism ministers meet but the feeling is, that if you want tourists you must facilitate travel," she said.

Opponents are concerned that this would lead to an influx of illegal immigrants into South Africa. – Sapa.