Resurgent Africa, Rising India strengthen South-South Cooperation: Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar

A resurgent Africa and a rising India can provide great impetus to South-South Cooperation, particularly in areas like clean technology, climate resilient agriculture, maritime security, connectivity and green economy, said Vice President of India Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar on Wednesday at the Inaugural Session of the 19th CII India Africa Business Conclave, being organised by Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) in New Delhi between August 20-22, in association with the Ministry of External Affairs, and the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India.

He said the India-Africa growth partnership is contributing to the global rebalancing that leads to greater global peace and harmony.

Shri Dhankhar reiterated that Africa is always a top priority for India and that the bilateral partnership is designed to be mutually beneficial in the true spirit of India being a ‘Vishwabandhu’.

Referring to Africa’s rich natural resources endowment and its demographic advantage, Shri Dhankhar stated that the region is emerging as a highly attractive destination for investments and partnerships. In this regard, India will stay committed to partnering Africa in its quest for value addition in its industrial sectors through innovative solutions.

Highlighting India’s progress in the realm of digital infrastructure in delivery of public services, Shri Dhankhar said the Indian experience and expertise in this area would be of great relevance to Africa.

Mr Prosper Bazombanza, Hon'ble Vice President, Republic of Burundi said India-Africa partnerships in areas like pharmaceuticals, science and technology, ICT, and renewable energy sector have helped African countries to improve their participation in the global value chains. He welcomed Indian investments in Burundi.

Mr Muhammad B.S. Jallow, Hon’ble Vice-President, Republic of The Gambia highlighted the potential for joint ventures between India and The Gambia in sectors like agriculture, healthcare, technology, and renewable energy.

Mr Jeremiah Kpan Koung, Hon'ble Vice President, Republic of Liberia, said the trade agreement signed between India and Liberia helped bilateral trade to grow to the level of USD 325 million. Hailing India's progress in the agriculture sector, he sought assistance in helping Liberia in skills and technological advancements to enhance local production.

Mr Marie Cyril Eddy Boissezon, Hon'ble Vice President, Republic of Mauritius, underscored the "time-tested relationship" between India and Mauritius and added that the trade agreement signed between the two countries on April 1, 2021 has helped augment bilateral trade and investments. Mauritius is the first country in Africa to have adopted UPI for financial transactions.  

Gen (Retd.) Dr. C.G.D.N. Chiwenga, Hon’ble Vice-President, Republic of Zimbabwe said the implementation of the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the growing African regional economy are creating business opportunities for Indian companies. He said that Zimbabwe seeks investments from Indian industry in areas like manufacturing, agriculture and agro-processing, tourism development, infotech, among others.

Mr Sanjiv Puri, President of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) proposed deeper India-Africa collaboration in agro-processing, healthcare, infrastructure, and education, while leveraging the AfCFTA to enhance the partnership.

Mr Noel Tata, Chairman of the CII Africa Committee and Chairman Tata International Ltd, spoke of CII's focus on fostering partnerships between SMEs from both regions and bridging gaps in the banking and finance sectors through solutions like rupee trade.

Mr Chandrajit Banerjee, Director General, CII in his opening remarks said the Conclave has drawn overwhelming participation from India and Africa, with over 1,000 delegates from Africa and over 800 delegates from India. Forty senior ministers from 20 African countries have participated in the Conclave, and over 850 business-to-business meetings have been arranged.

New Delhi

21 August 2024