AFRICA DAY CELEBRATED WITH GREAT FANFAIR AT WORLD TRADE CENTRE

The AFRICA DAY CELEBRATIONS 2008 , organised by the Indo - African Chamber of Commerce and Industries , at the World Trade Centre , Mumbai , was a great success . There was active participation from as many as nine Ambassadors / High Commissioners who flew in from New Delhi to grace the two day event. In addition , several Consul Generals and Honorary Consuls from Mumbai were present.

His Excellency , Mr.Carlos Agostinho Do Rosario , Dean of African Ambassadors and Ambassador of Mozambique , flagged off the celebrations and inaugurated the Exhibition which was organised as part of the programme.There were as many as 25 booths which were set up by the different countries of Africa as well as by several private organisations including Financial Technologies ,Patel Engineering, Bharat Petroleum and FirstRand Banking Group to name a few.

Hon. Mr. Jayantrao Patil , Minister for Finance and Planning, Government of Maharashtra , was the Chief Guest while His Excellency , Mr.Carlos Agostinho Do Rosario , was the Guest of Honour. The Hon. Minister lauded the efforts made by the Indo - African Chamber of Commerce and Industries in developing a closer bond between the African Continent and India , in keeping with the Government of India's " FOCUS AFRICA " Programme.Mr.Patil also released the publication of the Chamber entitled : " African Review " which contains a wealth of information on all African countries and serves as a ready reference for any one who wants to do business with Africa. Hon. Minister Patil has invited the Chamber to his constituency, Islampur where he has offered to host next year’s Africa Day.

The highlights of the Conference titled : " Redefining Indo - African Trade Relations " were that each Ambassador had the opportunity of making a Country Presentation , explaining the investment and trade opportunities available and what incentives were being offered to potential investors. During the post - lunch session and during the next day ,one -to - one business meetings were arranged by the Chamber for each participating Ambassador and High Commissioner . The Presentations and business meetings were spread over two days , so as to give all delegates and participating companies the opportunity of meeting the concerned diplomats.

The Dean mentioned that during the resent Africa-India Forum Summit ., the Government of India had extended to Africa a line of credit of US$ 5.4 billion for a period of five years and has also opened the Indian market for some of the African products. But without removing the constraints on supply side, Africa will not be able to take full advantage of this opening of the Indian market for its products. That is why this business and investment meeting has to motivate the Indian private sector to increase their investment in Africa so as to boost up the production and enable Africa to fill up the Indian market. The Dean further added that the Forum made a brain storm on best ways of how to strengthen the Indo-Africa Partnership for mutual benefits , thus reaching to a win-win situation

It was a very pleasant occasion to review and cement up the friendship and co-operation between Africa and India based on the long tradition of friendship and common struggle against the evils of colonialism, apartheid and injustice of all sorts. The Dean concluded by saying that Africa offers Indian businessmen security, guarantees, incentives and all support for their investment. Africa is always open to receive an investor as its special guest.

The evening cocktails and dinner hosted by the Hon.Consulate of Kenya jointly with the Chamber , saw the World Trade Centre courtyard well decorated and lit up.An Egyptian Tanura dancer , entertained all the guests , while authentic Egyptian cuisine was also available as part of the sumptuous buffet.

The Africa Day Celebration proved to be a very satisfying experience for one and all.