Lok Sabha Question No. 2238 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-03-15
Subject: Relation with African Countries
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: BHARAT SINGH, MANSHANKAR NINAMA

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.2238 TO BE ANSWERED ON 15.03.2017

## RELATION WITH AFRICAN COUNTRIES

† 2238. SHRI BHARAT SINGH:

SHRI MANSHANKAR NINAMA:

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether  the  Government  has  taken  any  specific  steps  to improve  commercial,  economic  and  cultural  relations  with African countries during the last three years;
- (b) if so, the details thereof and the steps taken by the Government  to  increase  the  share  of  private  companies  of India in African countries; and
- (c) the  measures  being  taken  by  the  Government  to  provide security  to  the  persons  of  African  origin  in  India  keeping  in view of recent attacks on them?

## ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS [GEN. (DR) V. K. SINGH (RETD)]

(a) & (b) Government  has  taken  steps  to  improve  commercial, economic  and  cultural  relations  with  African  countries.  India  and Africa have  recognized  the benefits of trade,  investment  and technology  linkages.  This  provides  a  strong  dimension  to  IndiaAfrica  partnership. Both  sides  further  recognize  that  there  is  huge potential for expansion of trade and investment between Africa and India.  Some  of  the  major  trade  related  issues  that  have  been discussed and agreed are: to fast track the implementation of the Duty Free Tariff Preference Scheme offered by India; work towards creating conducive environment for trade facilitation in accordance with the WTO Bali Trade Facilitation Agreement; Support establishment of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and Medium and Small Industries (MSIs) in order  to  promote  employment creation  and  income  generation  for  people  of  both  sides;  Promote

Public  Private  Partnership  (PPP)  by  encouraging  Indian  businesses to  set  up  skills  development  units  in  African  industrial  zones  with the  aim  to  train  African  engineers,  technicians,  managers  and workers as well as other experts in areas such as food security and solar  energy;  create  a  mechanism  to  enable  women  groups  to access credit for productive activities and markets for their products; enhance  cooperation  through  training  and collective negotiations on global trade issues, including at the WTO and enter into bilateral Preferential/Free Trade Agreements  with African nations, wherever possible.

Important Indian business delegations accompanied President,  Vice  President  and  Prime  Minister  during  their  visits  to African countries. In addition, our Missions are constantly engaged with Indian private firms active in the countries of their accreditation. Potential private sector companies are also encouraged  to  make  exploratory  visits  and  eventually  commence business ties with these countries.

Special  steps  taken  in  this  connection  include  encouraging and assisting private businesses/investors from India to explore the vast  economic  and  commercial  potential  in  these  countries  and increase  investment,  sending  more  business  delegations,  holding various market expansion/trade promotion activities, participation in various exhibitions, trade fairs, etc.

- (c) Several  measures  have  been  taken  by  the  Government  to provide security to persons of African origin in India. The issue has been taken up with States having large numbers of African nationals and they have been requested to take steps to ensure safety and security. These measures include increased police patrolling, community sensitisation and interactions. A monitoring mechanism has been set up under the States Division in the Ministry of External Affairs to coordinate with the State Governments concerned regarding follow up of the cases reported. The sensitization efforts undertaken by Government and the monitoring mechanisms established  have  resulted  in  better  appreciation  of  each  others concerns  in  the  localities  where  African  nationals  reside  in  large numbers.

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