Excelsior Correspondent
ABIDJAN, June 16: Addressing a function organized exclusively for the Indian diaspora here, President Pranab Mukherjee lauded the contribution of Indian community in Africa and said that they have not only played a positive role in building the economy of the region but are also indeed the cultural ambassadors of India over here.
Earlier, on his arrival at the venue, Pranab Mukherjee, who was accompanied by Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh and other members of the Indian delegation, was received with a rousing welcome and rapturous cheers by the members of Indian community comprising both… old and young,men and women.
Striking a statesmanly note, Pranab Mukherjee recalled that one of the earliest Indian diaspora in Africa was none other than Mahatma Gandhi. He said, Gandhi spent 21 years in Africa which gave the shape to his ideology and future political vision.
President Pranab Mukherjee complimented the Exim Bank for having opened its first ever office over here and said this was an indicator of the Indian government’s intent to increase its trade and business engagement with the African countries. The Exim Bank, which was established in early 1980s when Pranab Mukherjee was Union Finance Minister, formally signed an MoU for starting its operations here in the presence of the President.
President referred to USD 10 billion assistance announced by the Government of India to African countries during the Indo-African Summit at New Delhi in October last. He assured that developmental assistance from India will increase in the years to come.
Pranab Mukherjee referred to some of the common features between India and Africa from the past and expressed satisfaction that in spite of the legacy of colonial rule, the people of two regions have shown remarkable progress. He said, it is a matter of special appreciation that in spite of the world-wide financial crunch beginning in 2008, some of the African countries have registered a growth rate of 9 to 10 %.
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