PM Modi invites Egyptian president for India-Africa Forum Summit

[Hindustani78]

Vice President's Secretariat
03-November, 2018 12:32 IST
Dynamism and economic growth has made India a bright star in international arena: Vice President

India is the fastest growing major economy in the world

Addresses Indian Community Reception in Harare

The Vice President of India, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu has said that the dynamism of our country and our economic growth has made India a bright star in the international arena and it is fastest growing major economy in the world, with a current growth rate of 8.2%. He was addressing the Indian Community Reception, organized by the Ambassador of India to Zimbabwe, Shri M. Masakui, in Harare, Zimbabwe yesterday. The Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, Shri Krishan Pal Gurjar and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.

The Vice President said that the Indian Community in Zimbabwe, though small in number, is making significant contribution to the progress of this country in diverse areas and as entrepreneurs. They also serve as a living bridge between the two countries, he added.

The Vice President said that because of our innate nature of being very hard working, peace loving and spirit to integrate with the larger community that they have flourished in this country and have earned deep respect for yourselves and for India.

Saying India has very warm and friendly relations with Zimbabwe, he said that both our countries have inherited a rich cultural heritage, which has gained vibrancy over the years.

The Vice President urged the Indian Community in Zimbabwe to look at the transformation that India is undergoing. India is changing rapidly and the business environment is changing for better. The archaic regulations are being dismantled and seamless processes are being introduced, he added.

The Vice President said that the 21st century is being called century of Asia and Africa and and India will have an important role in it. Wherever you may be living, you will feel the impact of this role, you will feel the impact of rising India. We want you to join our journey towards growth and prosperity, he added.



Following is the text of Vice President's address:



"I thank you for welcoming me with such warmth and affection. I am delighted to meet you. Your presence here speaks of your love and affection for your country and for the land of your forefathers.

I am pleased to learn that the Indian Community in Zimbabwe, though small in number, is making significant contribution to the progress of this country. As professionals in diverse areas and as entrepreneurs, you also serve as a living bridge between the two countries.

I strongly believe, because of our innate nature of being very hard working, peace loving and the spirit to integrate with the larger community that you have flourished in this country and have earned deep respect for yourselves and for India. We are, indeed, proud of your success.

Zimbabwe is not just a beautiful country, but a country with a large heart that receives India and Indians with open arms. India has very warm and friendly relations with Zimbabwe.

Our ties go back to several centuries when traders from India and Zimbabwe were trading in minerals, metals and textiles.

I am also told that the son of Munhumotapa Kingdom Prince Miguls came to India in 17th century and settle down in Goa. That makes India and Zimbabwe natural longtime friends.

Both our countries have inherited a rich cultural heritage, which has gained vibrancy over the years.

We are keen to strengthen and diversify our relations with Zimbabwe. Tomorrow, I will have discussions with President E.D. Mnangagwa and Vice President Dr. Chiwenga on taking forward our bilateral relations, particularly, our economic ties.

There are numerous opportunities for businesses to grow both ways – be it trade, technology or investment.

I am accompanied on this visit by a strong business delegation. I do hope you will take out time to meet and guide them on local opportunities and prospects.

Brothers and Sisters,

The dynamism our country and our economic growth has made India a bright star in the international arena. India is the fastest growing major economy in the world, with a current growth rate of 8.2%. We have undertaken ambitious plans to build next-generation infrastructure, including smart cities, airports, high-speed train corridors, highways and cyber connectivity.

I would urge you to look at the transformation that India is undergoing. The results from the World Bank’s ‘Doing Business 2019’ report published yesterday have a powerful message that all Indians should feel very happy about. The report said, “India, which is a top improver for a second consecutive year, implemented six reforms in the past year and advanced to 77th place in the global ranking. India is now the region’s top-ranked economy…. Starting a business was made easier through consolidation of multiple application forms and introduction of a Goods and Services Tax (GST).” I am happy to inform you that in the month of October 2018 alone the collections have crossed 1 lakh crores.

India is changing rapidly. The business environment is changing for the better. The archaic regulations are being dismantled. Seamless processes are being introduced.

You have ventured out into the global arena and made a mark. I would suggest that you should also look at how you can contribute to the exciting growth story unfolding in India today.

We have a whole new set of opportunities that are opening up. There can’t be a better time than now to invest in India.

India has taken a major leap towards financial inclusion by encouraging 330 million persons to open bank accounts. Tax base has widened by 26% in the last one year with nearly 68 million tax payers paying taxes. We have an ambitious agenda to make India a $ 5 trillion economy by 2025.

Zimbabwe has just concluded its general elections and has, under the leadership of President E.D Mnagagwa, set the country’s vision of becoming a middle income country by 2030. This vision has complementarily with our Make in India, Digital India, Start-up India and other national programmes. We seek your support in this endeavour. Your professional experience, convening power, and entrepreneurial spirit can make this partnership blossom.

Brothers and sisters,

We consider every Indian abroad as our cultural ambassador. Wherever you go, you must share the beauty of your rich cultural heritage and knowledge with the local people.

This year on 2nd October, we began our worldwide celebrations of the 150th birthday of Mahatma Gandhi. We expect you to do your best to support our efforts.

There is a new vigour in our Diaspora outreach today. We have made our OCI scheme flexible so that more and more people can avail them. We want to connect and collaborate with every Indian abroad, and provide them a helping hand when in need.

We have deployed social media and digital platforms to render efficient consular services. Our Embassies abroad are available round the clock for servicing those in need.

As a result of our commitment and action, every Indian abroad today feels assured and is confident that the government is there to protect and help them when in need.

We will be celebrating the Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas in Varanasi from 21st to 23rd January next year. I do hope you will join us.

We are determined to move forward to make India a truly developed country and to see that India earns its rightful place in the world order. I hope that the Indian community in the Zimbabwe will do its utmost, to strengthen the cultural and economic ties between the two countries.

We want you to join our journey towards growth and prosperity. The 21st century is being called the century of Asia and Africa. And India will certainly have an important role in it. Wherever you may be living, you will feel the impact of this role, you will feel the impact of rising India.

Brothers and Sisters,

I once again express my deep appreciation for your accomplishments and your presence here this evening. And if you have not visited India in the recent times, I invite you to do so and witness the fast positive changes taking place in India.

Thank you!

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The Vice President, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu being received by the Vice President of Zimbabwe, Mr. Kembo Mohadi, on his arrival, in Harare, Zimbabwe on November 02, 2018.

The Vice President, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu at the Indian Community Reception, in Harare, Zimbabwe on November 02, 2018. The Minister of State for Social Justice & Empowerment, Shri Krishan Pal and other dignitaries are also seen.

The Vice President, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu addressing the Indian Community Reception, in Harare, Zimbabwe on November 02, 2018. The Minister of State for Social Justice & Empowerment, Shri Krishan Pal and other dignitaries are also seen.

The Vice President, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu addressing the Indian Community Reception, in Harare, Zimbabwe on November 02, 2018.

The Vice President, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu with the Indian Community People, at the Indian Community Reception, in Harare, Zimbabwe on November 02, 2018. The Minister of State for Social Justice & Empowerment, Shri Krishan Pal is also seen.

The Vice President, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu with the Indian Community People, at the Indian Community Reception, in Harare, Zimbabwe on November 02, 2018. The Minister of State for Social Justice & Empowerment, Shri Krishan Pal is also seen.

The Vice President, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu with the Indian Community People, at the Indian Community Reception, in Harare, Zimbabwe on November 02, 2018. The Minister of State for Social Justice & Empowerment, Shri Krishan Pal is also seen.

 

[Hindustani78]

The Vice President, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu calling on the President of Zimbabwe, Mr. Emmerson Mnangagwa, at the Office of the President, in Harare, Zimbabwe on November 03, 2018.

The Vice President, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu calling on the President of Zimbabwe, Mr. Emmerson Mnangagwa, at the Office of the President, in Harare, Zimbabwe on November 03, 2018.

The Vice President, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu calling on the President of Zimbabwe, Mr. Emmerson Mnangagwa, at the Office of the President, in Harare, Zimbabwe on November 03, 2018. The Minister of State for Social Justice & Empowerment, Shri Krishan Pal and other dignitaries are also seen.

The Vice President, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu calling on the President of Zimbabwe, Mr. Emmerson Mnangagwa, at the Office of the President, in Harare, Zimbabwe on November 03, 2018. The Minister of State for Social Justice & Empowerment, Shri Krishan Pal and other dignitaries are also seen.

The Vice President, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu meeting the Vice President of Zimbabwe, Mr. Kembo Mohadi, at the Munhumutapa Building, in Harare, Zimbabwe on November 03, 2018.

The Vice President, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu at the delegation level talks with the Vice President of Zimbabwe, Mr. Kembo Mohadi, at the Munhumutapa Building, in Harare, Zimbabwe on November 03, 2018. The Minister of State for Social Justice & Empowerment, Shri Krishan Pal and other dignitaries are also seen.

The Vice President, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu at the delegation level talks with the Vice President of Zimbabwe, Mr. Kembo Mohadi, at the Munhumutapa Building, in Harare, Zimbabwe on November 03, 2018.

The Vice President, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu and the Vice President of Zimbabwe, Mr. Kembo Mohadi witnessing the signing of MoUs, following delegation level talks, at the Munhumutapa Building, in Harare, Zimbabwe on November 03, 2018.

The Vice President, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu and the Vice President of Zimbabwe, Mr. Kembo Mohadi witnessing the signing of MoUs, following delegation level talks, at the Munhumutapa Building, in Harare, Zimbabwe on November 03, 2018.

The Vice President, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu and the Vice President of Zimbabwe, Mr. Kembo Mohadi witnessing the signing of MoUs, following delegation level talks, at the Munhumutapa Building, in Harare, Zimbabwe on November 03, 2018.

 

[Hindustani78]

The Vice President, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu at an event to address the Zimbabwe-India Business Forum, in Harare, Zimbabwe on November 03, 2018. The Vice President of Zimbabwe, Mr. Kembo Mohadi and the Minister of State for Social Justice & Empowerment, Shri Krishan Pal are also seen.

The Vice President, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu addressing the Zimbabwe-India Business Forum, in Harare, Zimbabwe on November 03, 2018.

The Vice President, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu at the National Heroes Acre, a National Monument to commemorate patriotic Zimbabweans who dedicated their lives to the cause of Zimbabwe’s independence from colonial rule, in Harare, Zimbabwe on November 03, 2018.

The Vice President, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu at the National Heroes Acre, a National Monument to commemorate patriotic Zimbabweans who dedicated their lives to the cause of Zimbabwe’s independence from colonial rule, in Harare, Zimbabwe on November 03, 2018. The Minister of State for Social Justice & Empowerment, Shri Krishan Pal and other dignitaries are also seen.

The Vice President, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu at the Samadhi of Kantibhai Govardhanbhai Patel who had migrated to Zimbabwe in 1961 and rose to become a senator and was elected as Member of Parliament, in Harare, Zimbabwe on November 03, 2018. The Minister of State for Social Justice & Empowerment, Shri Krishan Pal and other dignitaries are also seen.

 

[Hindustani78]

The Vice President, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu unveiling the Plaque to lay foundation for the New Chancery Building, at the Indian Embassy, in Harare, Zimbabwe on November 04, 2018. The Minister of State for Social Justice & Empowerment, Shri Krishan Pal and other dignitaries are also seen.

The Vice President, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu with the Ambassador of India to Zimbabwe, Shri R. Masakui, the Staff and other officials of Indian Embassy, during his visit to lay foundation stone for the New Chancery Building, in Harare, Zimbabwe on November 04, 2018. The Minister of State for Social Justice & Empowerment, Shri Krishan Pal is also seen.

The Vice President, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu being received by the Minister for Foreign Affairs & International Cooperation, Malawi, Dr. Emmanuel Fabian, the Minister of Education, Mr. Bright Msaka, the High Commissioner of India to Malawi. Shri Suresh Kumar Menon, on his arrival, in Lilongwe, Malawi on November 04, 2018.

The Vice President, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu being bid farewell by the Vice President of Zimbabwe, Mr. Kembo Mohadi, on his departure, in Harare, Zimbabwe on November 04, 2018.

 

[Hindustani78]

Vice President's Secretariat
06-November, 2018 12:18 IST
India’s commitment to support Africa has been unequivocally acknowledged by the African leadership: Vice President

Inaugurates 'India for Humanity' meant to commemorate the 150 birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi in Malawi;

Launches the very first Jaipur Foot Camp in this series; Vice President successfully completes 3-nation Africa Visit

Extending India’s continuous engagement with Africa, the Vice President of India, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu has successfully completed the three nations visit to Botswana, Zimbabwe and Malawi, today. During his weeklong visit, he held wide range discussions with the President of Botswana, Mr. Mokgweetsi Masisi, the President of Zimbabwe, Mr. Emmerson Mnangagwa and the President of Malawi, Mr. Peter Mutharika and other leaders in line with Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi had recently set out 10 guiding principles to enhance our engagement with Africa.

The Vice President was received with great warmth and affection in all the three nations. The President of Botswana broke protocol and flew back from his visit to Mozambique to meet the Vice President when he was leaving for Zimbabwe at the airport.

The President of Zimbabwe, Mr. Emmerson Mnangagwa spent more than an hour with Shri Naidu to discuss various issues of mutual interest and in Malawi, the President hosted luncheon in the honour of the Vice President where the first lady was also present.

The Vice President’s visit was very significant as this was the first high level visit after a significant gap to these three countries. In fact, in Zimbabwe, it was after 21 years.

Speaking to media onboard Air India One, the Vice President said that with the high level visit of the Vice President, India has been able to make 29 visits to Africa at the level President, Vice President and Prime Minister and called it an unprecedented feat. He further said that his visit would help to build on strong foundations and take relations to next level by reinforcing existing ties and forging relationship in new areas. The outcome of my visit clearly indicates that this has been achieved, he added.

India’s commitment to support Africa in its developmental process and its efforts in improving diplomatic, bilateral and people-to-people contacts have been unequivocally acknowledged by all the three Presidents, he said.

The Vice President said that Zimbabwe President openly thanking India for standing by the country during their period of isolation was recognition to India’s commitment. He said the leadership of the all three nations thanked India for a sustained development assistance extended through Lines of Credit and grants for various projects.

During his visit, India made substantial commitment to Botswana, Zimbabwe and Malawi on development partnership and assistance. US$ 350 million for projects in Zimbabwe, US $ 220 million of Lines of Credit for water supply projects in Malawi as well as setting up of Mahatma Gandhi Convention Centre in Zimbabwe and Malawi as grant assistance were among those.

The Vice President said that capacity building was of special interest to all three countries and they were uniformly appreciative of India's ITEC programme and the generous slots we give for training of their nationals in a variety of fields. With Botswana, the Vice President offered to increase the slots from the current 140 per year. India also agreed to depute experts for training of their junior diplomats. We are also deputing 5 experts in various fields to assist Zimbabwe under ITEC, he added.

During his interactions with the Vice President and the leadership of three African Nations crucial issues including capacity building, technological knowledge sharing through ITEC programmes, opportunities in trading Minerals including uranium, copper, nickel and railways and infrastructure, logistics etc topped the list. India’s support in providing Skill Development, tele-education and tele-medicine in African region was appreciated by the leadership.

The Vice President’s visit also witnessed signing of Memorandum of Understandings with all the three nations. MoU with Malawi on providing capacity building in nuclear energy regulatory framework, and its protection, MoU on geology, mining and minerals was signed with Zimbabwe apart from exploring options to have direct trading in raw diamonds with Botswana and Zimbabwe. India signed an MoU on Traditional Medicine with Zimbabwe too.

Other important Agreements included Extradition treaty with Malawi and an agreement in Broadcasting by Prasar Bharati, another one in Arts, Culture, Heritage and an Action Plan on ICT with Zimbabwe.

In the area of health, all three countries were deeply appreciative of medical services in India as well as the services being rendered by our private sector hospitals in their respective countries and the ever-increasing need for Indian pharmaceuticals products. The Vice President also announced the gifting of Bhabhatron Cancer machine in Malawi and ambulances and life saving drugs in all three countries.

The Vice President informed them about Indian traditional medicine, particularly ayurveda and yoga, and the leadership was in agreement of the fact that there was considerable scope in these areas since all three countries have their own traditional medicine as well.

Agriculture being a crucial area of interest for Africa, All three leaders welcomed the possibility of greater involvement of India in their agriculture sector. The Vice President promised to explore the possibility of greater involvement from our side particularly for value addition and food processing.

The leadership on both sides recognised the need to have greater cooperation in defence sector. Sending Indian Army Training team to Botswana, extending training slots in defence to Zimbabwe and Malawi were among those discussed during Shri Naidu’s interactions. All three leaders agreed with the Vice President that security cooperation, particularly in counter-terrorism needs to be strengthened.

In all the three countries, the Vice President interacted with the local and Indian businessman operating there. He was also given the rare honour of inaugurating their prestigious annual Global Expo 2018 where India was represented by 28 companies making it the largest contingent in the event.

Amidst the hectic schedule of bilateral meetings, the Vice President also took time to visit the Diamond Trading Center in Botswana. He also unveiled the plaque to inaugurate the Business Incubation Centre in Malawi built with Indian grant assistance.

The Vice President addressed Indian communities in all the three nations and addressed them during community receptions hosted by respective Ambassadors. During his interactions, he highlighted the transformative reforms undertaken by the Narendra Modi government and informed the audience the growth story of India that is inching closer to become third largest economy in the world.

The Vice President had expressed his happiness for the contribution of the Diaspora in India and their present place of stay. He said that it was heartening to hear about the Diaspora’s contribution in the economic development of the three nations.

The Vice President thanked the leadership for supporting India at various international fora including the United Nations. All three leaders expressed their desire to work with India on Solar energy and deeply appreciated India’s initiative on the International Solar Alliance.

While Malawi had already signed and ratified the framework agreement on International Solar Alliance, Zimbabwe has signed ISA and, during the Vice President’s visit Botswana, they conveyed to him of their decision to sign it shortly.

The Vice President inaugurated the unique event “India for Humanity” meant to commemorate the 150 birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi in Malawi. India would be organising camps of the well known Jaipur Foot in all parts of the world and serve the needy with necessary support.

The Government is partnering Bhagwan Mahavir Viklang Sahayata Samiti in this “India for Humanity” initiative.

The Vice President was given the honour of launching the very first Jaipur Foot Camp in this series in Malawi in Africa as Mahatma Gandhi spent more than two decades and eventually led a non-violent movement that liberated India from colonialism and inspired African leaders to free their countries as well.

The Vice President was accompanied by a high level delegation comprising of the Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, Shri Krishan Pal Gurjar and two members of Parliament namely Shri K. Suresh and Shri V. Muraleedharan, in addition to senior officials.



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[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions
16-November, 2018 17:21 IST
Tanzania (Zanzibar) Minister for Public Service & Good Governance calls on Dr Jitendra Singh

The Minister for Public Service & Good Governance, Law & Justice, Government of Tanzania (Zanzibar), Mr Haroun Ali Suleiman called on Union Minister of State for Personnel, Dr Jitendra Singh here yesterday and discussed India’s experience with good practices in governance as well as possibilities of exchange programmes at academic level with Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA), Mussoorie and other Indian institutions.

Extending a warm welcome to Mr Haroun Suleiman and his delegation, Dr Jitendra Singh recalled that India shared a traditionally friendly relationship with Tanzania right from the time of President Mr Julius Nyerere. Because of these common linkages of legacy, he said, it is far much easier to expect a successful engagement between the two countries.

Dr Jitendra Singh referred to the visit to Tanzania by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi in July, 2016 and pointed out the special emphasis given by the Government to the relations with the African countries.

During the half-an-hour interaction, Mr Haroun Suleiman expressed keenness for further and deeper engagement with India in the fields of civil services and governance. He proposed to Dr Jitendra Singh the desirability of arranging visits by civil servants from Tanzania to India, so that they could enrich themselves from the vast experience of the Indian Administrative Service.

Dr Jitendra Singh informed his Tanzanian counterpart that the Union Ministry of Personnel is already engaged in such exchange programmes with several countries .

In response to Mr Suleiman's request for the visits of Indian faculty to his country, Dr Jitendra Singh said, a group of officers can be assigned to work out this arrangement. For this purpose, he said, the representatives from Ministry of External Affairs will also be involved.

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The Minister for Personnel & Law, Government of Tanzania (Zanzibar), Haroun Ali Suleiman calling on the Minister of State for Development of North Eastern Region (I/C), Prime Minister’s Office, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh, in New Delhi on November 15, 2018.

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Commerce & Industry
28-November, 2018 17:00 IST
Foreign Minister of Gabon calls on Suresh Prabhu

Mr. Regis Immongault in talks with Suresh Prabhu

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Republic of Gabon, Mr. Regis Immongault, called on Union Minister for Commerce & Industry and Civil Aviation, Suresh Prabhu, in New Delhi today. Commerce Minister while welcoming the Foreign Minister of Gabon said that India attaches lot of importance to its relations with Gabon and it will give all assistance to Gabon in order to fulfil the objective of Gabon to become an emerging economy by 2025.

Suresh Prabhu further said that it is possible for the two countries to work together in sectors like logistics, infrastructure, energy, water, agriculture, services and tourism. Suresh Prabhu informed the Foreign Minister of Gabon that bilateral trade between India and Gabon is currently valued at USD 440.47 million and is yet to realize its full potential. Both sides will have to work together to improve bilateral trade in the coming years.

At present Indian companies are already operating in wood, plywood, mining and fisheries sectors. The Gabonese Foreign Minister said that Gabon is looking for stronger involvement of BRICS countries in the development of different sectors in Gabon.

Gabon has shown interest in entering into a Bilateral Investment Treaty with India. India has also urged Gabon to avail the offer of Lines of Credit (LoC) for developmental projects. As a member of the International Solar Alliance, Gabon is also eligible to avail LoC for solar projects.

India also suggested that Gabon may give a complete list of minerals for Indian industries to consider investing in for mining projects.

Gabon has the 6th largest reserves of Manganese in the world. It is one of the four countries in the world with high grade reserves along with South Africa, Australia and Brazil. It is the 4th largest producer, globally, of manganese ore with 11 % share in global production after South Africa (26%), China (17%) and Australia (15%). With large reserves yet to exploited, the Gabonese side is keen to develop this sector. Manganese Ore India Ltd (MOIL) team visited Gabon in July 2018 to explore possibilities of joint collaboration with Gabonese mining companies.

Gabon is also making efforts to attract investment from India in construction of railway lines in key mining clusters in Gabon. A feasibility study was conducted by RITES for one of the proposed lines. Both India and Gabon have agreed to send business delegations to look at opportunities for trade and investments.

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