(MENAFN- Trend News Agency) BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 17. The India-Africa
partnership is on the verge of a substantial leap forward in the
near future. This necessitates intensified business engagement,
extensive research endeavors, amplified trade flows, and
exploration of broader export prospects, emphasized V
Muraleedharan, Minister of State, Ministry of External Affairs.
During the Valedictory Session of the 18th CII-EXIM Bank
Conclave on India Africa Growth Partnership the minister
acknowledged the plethora of opportunities for collaboration
between India and Africa across diverse sectors such as
agriculture, irrigation, trade, investments, healthcare, education,
science & technology, infrastructure, and digital technology, among
others.
Recognizing the large youthful populations of both India and
Africa, Muraleedharan stated that India understands Africa's needs
for training, education, and skills development. He further
highlighted the crucial role that India's educational institutions
and initiatives in Africa will play in fulfilling the aspirations
of African youth, particularly those in rural areas.
Gen (Retd) Dr CGDN Chiwenga, Vice President of the Republic of
Zimbabwe, expressed that India's involvement in Africa's digital
transformation would contribute to greater inclusivity, job
creation, bridging the digital divide, and supporting poverty
eradication in the region. He said innovative financing through
public-private partnerships on a build-operate-transfer (BOT) basis
would create a mutually beneficial situation for both India and
Africa.
Muhammad BS Jallow, Vice President of the Republic of The
Gambia, underscored the critical nature of collaboration and
exploration of new growth opportunities between India and Africa.
He highlighted India's potential role in sharing technologies,
knowledge, and expertise, while emphasizing the need for African
countries to create a business-friendly environment for Indian
companies to invest in sectors like renewable energy, agriculture
and food processing, education, healthcare, and mining, among
others.
Vital Kamerhe Lwa Kanyiginyi, Deputy Prime Minister of the
Democratic Republic of Congo, stressed that Africa's substantial
working-age population, growing middle class, and significant share
of services are all factors that contribute to adding value to the
India-Africa trade and investment relationship.
Underlining the foundation of mutual trust in India-Africa
relations, Ms. Harsha Bangari, Managing Director of EXIM Bank,
highlighted how India's lines of credit have supported critical
infrastructure projects in Africa. She further highlighted the
relevance of the Indian Development and Economic Assistance (IDEA)
Scheme in meeting Africa's development priorities and facilitating
robust social infrastructure for its people.
Sanjiv Puri, President-Designate of the Confederation of Indian
Industry, noted the high level of cooperation and partnership
witnessed at the conclave among participating countries. He
highlighted the palpable friendship and trust between them and
mentioned that the ideas generated during the event would enhance
cooperation between India and Africa in emerging sectors such as
space and renewable energy.
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