Solar energy, infrastructure, military cooperation and startup ecosystem are four critical areas where India can be a valuable partner to African nations, Minister for Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal said on July 19.
The trade between India and African countries has been pretty balanced with exports of trade and services of about $40 billion and imports of $49 billion, Mr. Goyal said while speaking at the inauguration of 17th CII-Exim Bank conclave in New Delhi.
Speaking at the conclave on ‘India-Africa Growth Partnership – Creating Shared Futures’, he said India and South African countries can work in several areas to bring cost effective, affordable and truly designed for local population solutions in several areas.
“And India would like to strengthen our offer of friendship, our offer of relationship based business so that we can meet the dream of 1.4 billion African people. There are four areas of partnerships that I believe can fulfil the aspirations of the people of Africa and India going forward,” Mr. Goyal said.
He said both the countries are blessed with significant amount of sunlight and solar power can be one area of engagement between Africa and India.
“It will bring clean energy to Africa, meet the energy security needs, provide jobs and employment and enhance economic growth in various countries in the region,” the Minister said.
“I also believe our military exchanges in the Indian ocean, defence trade, manufacturing in the defence sector can also lead to greater engagement between Africa and India,” he said.
Besides, he said India is ready to help African nations in areas of physical and digital infrastructure, whether it is information technology, setting up new infrastructure projects in the region, health care and helping them manufacture vaccines.
He further said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given a clear direction to accord the highest priority to India’s engagement with African nations.
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