PIB | 20 Jul, 2022
India
plans to strengthen its partnership with Africa in four areas to fulfil
aspirations of both the countries. First area is solar power, this will
help bring clean energy, energy security and will create jobs in
Africa. Second is defence trade and military exchanges in Indian Ocean,
manufacturing of armoured vehicles and UAVs. Third is physical &
digital infra, helping in IT/Consultancy & Project Exports and the
fourth one is healthcare & pharma.
Speaking
at the inaugural session of CII-EXIM Bank Conclave on India-Africa
Growth Partnership, the Union Minister of Commerce & IndustryPiyush
Goyal said that deep friendship between India and Africa countries,
developing over the years is based on shared history, trade ties &
love for cinema.
He said that Mahatma Gandhi first practised the
principles of Satya & Ahimsa in Africa. Similarity in our freedom
struggles have solidified the foundation of our friendship.
Goyal said that our government accords highest priority to our Africa
engagements. He said we would reassure that India’s ties with Africa are
based on trust, friendship and deep understanding of each other’s
requirements.
He
further added that India-Africa partnership will play an important role
in our journey going forward as India and Africa are collectively
constitutes 1/3 of the world’s population and both of us are very much
aliened in several areas.
Shri
Goyal said that the engagement between CII and EXIM bank put together
along with all African nations will play a very critical role in our
shared future and prosperity of people of Africa and India.
He
said, we are working to lead the developing world out of food
insecurity, efforts are being made to take quality life and prosperity
to the people of India and Africa. Our deep friendship can be best
demonstrated by our continuous engagement through Vaccine-Maitri during
Covid period.
He said that this conference is been held just before India completes 75th
year of independence, when we are celebrating the Azadi ka Amrit
Mahotsav. We are setting new goals and setting a new vision for India’s
development. He further added that as the Prime Minister Narendra
Modi calls it Azadi ka Amrit Kaal, the golden era.
He said that the
mission before the country is to make India a prosperous nation, a
nation that cares for both Indian citizen and every citizen of the
world. A nation that gives leadership to economic development, growth
and prosperity of the world, as we complete 100 years of independence in
2047 the next very important 25 years.
He
further talked about the support India receives from South Africa, as
proposed TRIPS waiver (sponsored by SA & India) and supported by all
African countries, shows the prowess of our partnership and our efforts
to work as a grouping of developing nations. He said this was evident
at WTO Ministerial also, where India and Africa became the voice of
developing & less developed countries. He said we achieved the
relevance of the multilateral trading systems and protected our future
growth imperatives. Together India and Africa can solve several global
issues.
He
said that there are four pillars of India-Africa engagement i.e.
people, Business, Trade & Government. There is an Indian diaspora
presence in nearly 46 African Countries. India is among top 5 investors
in Africa with investment at $71 bn over the last 25 years.
He said, our
companies are working to support local manufacturing in Africa and to
hope to see deeper engagements between business of India and Africa.
Further, he added that in terms of trade, Africa is India’s 4th
largest trading partner of India. He said our merchandise trade grew by
34% from $67 bn in 2019-20 to $89 bn in 2021-22. India’s export $40 bn
and Imports $ 49 bn from various African countries.
Goyal said that this is the time, India and Africa can lead global
growth. We look at Africa as partners in progress. He said India gave 27
LDC African nations benefit of Duty Free Tariff Preference.
Goyal informed that in terms of our Government to Government
engagement, we have e-VidyaBharat & e-ArogyaBharati supporting
education and healthcare in Africa. He said in the post-Covid world,
Indian knowledge in healthcare and education will help deepen engagement
with Africa.
Further
in his address, he said we can work together to bring cost effective
solutions in several areas like drinking water logistics , healthcare
education , Fintech and solar powers among others too.
Goyal said India
has created the world's third largest startup ecosystem. India can help
co-create similar system in various African nations and DPIIT can share experience & expertise of Startup India for Startup Africa.