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Back our efforts at U.N. reform, Pranab asks African nations

NEW DELHI: Seeking greater socio-economic and political cooperation, External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee on Friday urged leaders of African nations to support India’s efforts at overall reforms of the United Nations and world trade talks.

“The reform of the United Nations remains high on our agenda and we seek the support of the African countries for overall reforms, including democratisation and expansion of the Security Council in both permanent and non-permanent categories.”

Mr. Mukherjee was speaking at the valedictory session of the “India Africa Project Partnership 2008” here.

Referring to the world trade talks, he said: “India also attaches great importance to the Doha Round of trade negotiations currently under way and we seek the continued support of African countries to ensure that the vision of the Doha Round as a development round becomes a reality.”

Talking about terrorism, Mr. Mukherjee said this evil could be combated only by exercising zero tolerance of all kinds of terrorist violence.

“India looks forward to enhancing the levels of international cooperation in this area. India looks forward to enhancing its cooperation with African countries on this matter, both bilaterally and on various multilateral fora. The conclusion of a ‘Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism’ is important.”

Pointing out that trade between India and Africa reached $25 billion in 2006-07, the Minister urged African nations to encourage Indian industry to enhance its footprints on the continent. “Our trade flows are still to achieve their true potential. In order to do so, India has signed trade agreements with 29 countries in Africa. India and the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa [COMESA] have also decided to set up a joint working group to study the possibilities of signing a Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement [CECA]. Negotiations are on going as well for a Preferential Trade Agreement with the Southern African Customs Union.”

Mr. Mukherjee said: “India has made strides in manufacturing and technology by pursuing a model of development that is appropriate, affordable and relevant in the African context. We are committed to continuing our support in areas of our strength, including human resource development and capacity building programmes.”

Projects such as the ‘Pan African e-Network’ were an illustration of India’s efforts at sharing its progress in the knowledge sector and in helping to bridge the digital divide in Africa.

Ghana Vice-President Alhaji Aliu Mahama said the new leadership in Africa was committed to liberal economic policies, a prudent fiscal and monetary regime and protection of human and property rights. This was reflected in the increasing growth momentum of the region.

Noting that Africa was the new oil frontier, he said India-Africa relations were set for a promising future. “Africa will account for 12 per cent of global oil supplies in the next few years.” He asked Indian information and communication technology firms to bridge the digital divide in Africa.

Confederation of Indian Industry president Sunil Mittal said the three-day conclave drew the participation of 1,000 delegates, including 606 from Africa, besides 30 African ministers and 15 African banks. Five key agreements were signed by various agencies.

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