a) whether India has discussed various ways with African countries to bolster trade ties during the recent India-Africa Summit;
b) if so, the details and the outcome thereof and the main issues discussed therein;
c) whether India has signed any agreements with African countries in this regard; and
d) if so, the details thereof along with the benefits likely to accrue as a result thereof?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY (INDEPENDENT CHARGE)
(SMT. NIRMALA SITHARAMAN)
(a) & (b): During the recently concluded India-Africa Forum Summit, India and African countries recognized that businesses of both sides through growing trade, investment and technology linkages provide a strong dimension to India-Africa partnership. Both sides further recognized the huge potential for expansion of trade and investment in Africa and India. Some of the major trade related issues that were discussed and agreed were: 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.
(c); No, Madam.
(d); Does not arise.
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