The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) in partnership with the Government of India and the Government of Mozambique, is organising 'Namaskar Africa 2015', a flagship business forum between India and the Southern Africa region from 25 to 26 November 2015 at Indy Congress Hotel and Spa, Maputo, Mozambique.
'Namaskar Africa' is a joint initiative of FICCI and the Government of India for promoting economic cooperation by engaging directly with various Regional Economic Communities in Africa. After the successful regional editions organized previously in Western Africa (Nigeria) Eastern Africa (Kenya) and Central Africa (Republic of Congo), Maputo has been chosen as the venue for the fourth edition because of Mozambique's strategic location as a gateway to the Southern African region.
Southern Africa is the second largest trading block for India among the five sub-regions of Africa accounting for 30% of India's total trade (USD 21.57 billion out of USD 71.78 billion) in 2014-15 and from this India's bilateral trade with Mozambique alone accounted for USD 2.4 billion during the same period. Mozambique also accounts for 25% of India's total investments in Africa.
Ernesto Max Tonela, Minister of Commerce and Industry of Mozambique is slated to inaugurate the event which is scheduled to take place on 25 November at Indy Congress Hotel & Spa, Maputo. A 10-member official and business delegation led by H.E. Mr Paulo Auade, Governor of Tete is also taking part in this event. Apart from Mozambique, business and official delegates from Southern African countries such as South Africa, Swaziland, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Mauritius have also confirmed their presence.
The Indian delegation comprising of over 60 businessmen is led by Mr Anup Wadhawan, Director General of Foreign Trade, Government of India. Indian companies representing Agriculture, Healthcare & Pharma, Infrastructure, Automotive, Education etc. are participating in an exhibition being held at the same venue. In addition, panel discussions focused on Agriculture, Healthcare, Education and Transport involving Indian delegates and senior Government officials and businessmen from this region and B2B meetings are being organised.
The event is expected to enhance and diversify India's economic engagement with this region and position Mozambique as a preferred destination for investment and trade.
