Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) organized 13th edition of CII-EXIM Bank Conclave on India – Africa Project Partnership from 25 – 27 March, 2018 in New Delhi, India under the aegis of Ministry of External Affairs and Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India. Astonishingly, the Vice President of India, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu had one-to-one bilateral discussions with three African Vice Presidents, the Vice President of Zimbabwe, General (Rtd) Dr. Constantino Chiwenga, the Vice President of Uganda, Mr. Edward Kiwanuka Ssekandi and the Vice President of Malawi, Dr. Saulos Klaus Chilima. They visited India to participate in the 13th edition of the CII-EXIM Bank Conclave along with General Evariste Ndayishimiye, Secretary General of the CNDD-FDD Party of Burundi.
Hon’ble Vice President of India hosted a banquet lunch for the visiting dignitaries on 26th March 2018. He also had bilateral meetings with visiting Vice Presidents and discussed wide ranging issues.
The 13th Conclave majorly discussed the ‘High 5’ priority areas set by the African Development Bank in 2017. These areas include infrastructure, power, roads, industrial parks, agriculture.
The innovative techniques used in agriculture can be shared to get better harvest that may lead to agricultural development in many African countries. Government of India is extending loans to many African countries in the field of solar energy. The discussions were held to strengthen the bilateral relations with political, economic and technological associations. . The visits of three Vice Presidents from Zimbabwe, Malawi and Uganda have further strengthened our close ties with the African continent.
by Mrs. Meenakshi Sharma