A business conclave to push India-Africa ties

New Delhi, March 12 (IANS) With India looking at Africa with renewed interest, a major business conclave, being organised here March 15-16, is expected to see some 400 political and business leaders fly in from as many as 34 countries of the continent.

Organised jointly by the Export-Import Bank of India and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), the conclave is also expected to lay the basis for the next India-Africa Summit scheduled next year, after the highly-sucessful maiden summit in 2008.

With "Developing Synergies: Creating a Vision" as the central theme, the sixth edition of the conclave will be linked to four sub-themes, guided bythe objectives spelt at the 2008 summit. These are: partnership, rural economies, Africa tomorrow and going green.

"In the true spirit of partnership, the discussions will involve two key areas, skills development and adaptable technologies, which are of key importance to several African economies," said a statemrnt issued by the industry lobby.

"Traditional partners India and Africa will be once again reaffirming their commitment to work in unison toward the development of their respective economies and to strengthen the tenets of South-South cooperation."

On the agenda is discussion by stakeholders on an estimated 145 projects worth over $9 billion that are in the pipeline involving Indian and African companies. In the fifth conclave, 193 projects worth $7.2 billion were discussed and 58 pacts signed.

From the Indian viewpoint, the conclave will serve as a major opportunity for the Indian government and industry to explore avenues to scale up India-Africa trade to $70 billion in five years and promote geographical and product diversification for exports.

The event will be addressed by top ministers and policymakers, including External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna, his deputy Shashi Tharoor, Commerce Minister Anand Sharma and Planning Commission Member Arun Maira, besides a galaxy of business leaders.

From the African side, those who have confirmed their participation include Ghana Vice President John Dramani Mahama, Central African Republic Small Industries Minister Kotaye Moise, Zambian Commerce Minister Felix C. Mutati, his counterpart from Congo Claudine Mounari.