Accra (Ghana), June 13 (ANI): Maintaining that the government and people of Ghana were not unfamiliar with the Indian experience of doing business, President Pranab Mukherjee today reiterated that Ghana must see "Brand India" as trusted name.
Addressing the India-Ghana Business Forum here this afternoon, President Mukherjee said, "Brand India is a trusted name today across the developing as well as the developed world. It is a trusted because it adds value to the resources of the host countries. It is welcomed because it works and grows together with the local companies.
It brings appropriate technologies which create jobs and has the adaptability to absorb local talent. It rejuvenates and invigorates local industry without constraining their growth in any way."
"The potential is large, with considerable scope for growth, both in investments and trade. If a conducive environment is facilitated, the Indian Government would be ready to work with you in key sectors and areas of common interest, and encourage Indian private as well as public entrepreneurs to bring more investments to Ghana," he added.
Expressing happiness and satisfaction over India's bilateral trade being in favour of Ghana, President Mukherjee called on Ghanaian entrepreneurs to "diversify and expand their exports" to India.
He said that the Government of India has taken the step of earmarking USD 10 billion for diverse projects in Africa and for capacity building efforts, and looks forward to working with Ghana to identify projects for the utilisation of these funds in Ghana. He said that he was also encouraged to note that Ghanaian businessmen are regular participants in the India-Africa Partnership events that have been organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and the EXIM Bank of India since 2010.
Later, interacting with media, Secretary (ER) in the Ministry of External Affairs, Mr. Amar Sinha, informed that both sides have inked three Memoranda of Understanding, including one on exemption of visas for diplomatic and official passport holders; formation of a joint commission to give a fillip to existing bilateral trade and commercial ties and one on facilitating academic interaction between the foreign service institutions of both countries.
Mr. Sinha said that an important takeaway from today's interaction at the Flagstaff House and the address to the business community was the desire from both sides to enhance private participation in various sectors, including mining, education, advanced health sector, low cost housing and agricultural industries.
Mr. Sinha also informed that a sum of USD 400 million Line of Credit by EXIM Bank has been approved for the construction of a railway line from the Port of Tema to Akasombo. He further said that there will be further cooperation in the field of ITEC (raise the scholarships from 250 to 300 and ICCR scholarships from 20 to 40), adding that India is happy to extend assistance to Ghana through grants and Lines of Credit despite New Delhi's own resource constraints.
He also informed that the Government of Ghana has shown an interest in civil nuclear cooperation with India, modalities for which would be worked out in due course.
