Over 600 African delegates visiting India to discuss business, economic cooperation & other global issues
Less than a year after the Second India-Africa Forum Summit that was held in Addis Ababa in May 2011, political leaders, government representatives, business heads, bankers and development specialists from 36 African countries and at least 3 non-African countries would be congregating at the 8th CII-EXIM Bank Conclave on India Africa Project Partnership being organised in New Delhi during March 18-20, 2012.
Over 600 overseas delegates would be participating in the Conclave meetings and deliberations. Since 2005, this annual Conclave has served as a powerful platform for Indian and African government agencies and corporate to forge long-term project partnerships. This year’s edition, themed as ‘Creating Possibilities: Delivering Value’, is expected to bring forth a fresh perspective and a roadmap on taking the bilateral partnership to a new high.
The deliberations at the Conclave will cover wide ranging themes like ‘Funding the growth’, ‘Partnerships to harness the human potential’, ‘Bio-mass-based power generation’, ‘Leveraging the Indian model for Africa’s growth’, and ‘Energy efficiency in small and medium enterprises’. There will also be sessions covering business opportunities in northern, southern, eastern and western African markets, apart from business sectors across Africa, such as, drugs & pharmaceuticals, ICT & telecom, agriculture, etc.
During the 7th edition of the Conclave, 200 projects worth $18 billion were discussed. One of the highlight of this years is that it will see over 250 projects worth close to 30 Billion USD of projects being discussed.
From the Indian viewpoint, the Conclave will serve as a major opportunity for Indian government and industry to explore new avenues by which to scale up India-Africa trade from current level of $50 billion to $70 billion in the next 2 years, promote geographical and product diversification of Indian exports to Africa, strengthen India’s trade agreements with regional blocs in Africa, and enhance the role of Indian industry in the regional infrastructure programmes in Africa.
The Central African Republic is the Guest Country and Zimbabwe is Focus Country at the Conclave. A large delegation comprising of over 100 members from Zimbabwe lis being led by H.E. Mrs Joice Mujuru, Vice President of Zimbabwe. Prof. Faustin Archangel Touadera, Prime Minister of Central African Republic is also leading a high delegation consisting of 6 Cabinet Ministers. In addition, the Conclave will have more than 30 Ministers from different Sub-Saharan Countries. A group of 28 Young MPs from 12 countries will also be participating at the meet.
Senior Indian ministers, policy makers and Industry leaders have also confirmed their participation. Mr Anand Sharma, Minister of Commerce, Industry & Textiles, Government of India will address the Conclave on 18th March in a “Special Opening Session”.
Prominent industry leaders and business delegates are expected to be presented in large numbers. Over 500 Indian business delegates had confirmed their participation as on date.