INDIA PARTICIPATES IN SEMINAR ON PARTNERSHIP FOR AFRICA’S DEVELOPMENT
A high-level
delegation led by Dr. Raman Singh, Minister of State for Commerce
& Industry, participated in the Summit on Financing of New
Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD) from 15-17 April,
2002 in Dakar following an invitation from the Government of Senegal.
Besides the Ambassador of India to the Republic of Senegal, Mr.
Gurjit Singh, Joint Secretary (Africa) in Ministry of External
Affairs; Mr. S. Sriram, Representative of EXIM Bank of India and
Mr. Vijay Chopra, Regional Director of Confederation of Indian
Industry (CII) were the other members of the delegation.
On
the final day of the Conference, Dr. Raman Singh called on President
Abdoulaye Wade of Senegal. The two leaders had useful discussions
regarding Indo-Senegalese bilateral relations and India’s participation
as a development partner of Africa and Senegal in particular based
on the NEPAD. President Wade thanked India for its participation
in the Dakar Conference, which he said, was a confirmation of
the strong relationship between India and Senegal. Dr. Raman
Singh conveyed to President Wade India’s continued support for
African development based on NEPAD and its commitment to stand
by Africa as a reliable development partner.
Earlier
on 15th April, Dr. Raman Singh met his Senegalese counterpart,
Mrs. Aicha Agne Pouye, Minister for Commerce and Small & Medium
Enterprises. The two Ministers had detailed discussions regarding
cooperation on the small and medium scale industries and enhancing
trade between the two countries.
Dr.
Raman Singh also called on Mr. Aneerood Jugnauth, Prime Minister
of Mauritius when Mr. Anil Gayan, Foreign Minister of Mauritius
was also present. The two leaders exchanged views on the NEPAD
and its evolution. Mr. Singh also met President of National Assembly
of Senegal Mr. Youssou Diagne and Senegalese Agriculture Minister
Mr. Pape Diouf as well as other visiting African Heads of delegations
from Uganda, Rwanda etc.
Over
one thousand delegates drawn from governments across Africa, the
private sector, international financial institutions and organisations
attended the Conference. The Conference was chaired by Gabon’s
President Omar Bongo and was attended by twelve African Heads
of State.
