At the India–Africa Dialogue & Networking Gala organised by ASSOCHAM, held at the Embassy of Ethiopia in India, Mr. Nirmal K. Minda, Chairman, Uno Minda Limited & President, ASSOCHAM, highlight
Looking Ahead: Summit as a Strategic Milestone
Mr. Minda highlighted the significance of the upcoming India–Africa Forum Summit, describing it as a pivotal moment to revitalise and elevate bilateral cooperation.
He emphasised that the next phase of engagement would focus on strengthening collaboration in trade, investment, technology, and sustainable development, anchored in a forward-looking framework. “The summit aims to advance a future-ready partnership driven by shared priorities, South-South cooperation, and enhanced private sector participation,” he stated.
ASSOCHAM’s Role in Driving Industry Collaboration
As President of ASSOCHAM, Mr. Minda outlined the chamber’s active role in fostering India–Africa economic engagement. He highlighted the importance of structured industry platforms such as the India–Africa Business Forum and sector-focused engagements that bring together policymakers, business leaders, and investors.
“ASSOCHAM has consistently played a catalytic role in India’s economic journey, bridging industry and government, amplifying the voice of businesses, and championing the aspirations of MSMEs,” he noted.
He further shared that ASSOCHAM is focusing on priority sectors that align closely with African economies, including mobility and transportation, logistics, manufacturing, textiles, digital technologies, and emerging areas such as sustainability and green growth.
Aligning Priorities: Industry-Led Growth
He pointed out that African economies are increasingly seeking long-term manufacturing partnerships rather than transactional trade relationships. “Africa is not just seeking exporters—it is looking for manufacturing partners, technology providers, and scalable solutions,” he emphasised.
He also underlined the shared opportunity in the global clean energy transition, noting that both India and African nations are well-positioned to collaborate in sustainable and green technologies.
From Dialogue to Action
Moving beyond policy frameworks, Mr. Minda called for tangible outcomes from industry interactions. In a practical and action-oriented appeal, he urged participants to convert discussions into meaningful collaborations.
“Have at least one meaningful conversation tonight, one that goes beyond introductions. Identify one sector, one opportunity, and commit to one follow-up,” he said, encouraging stakeholders to drive real partnerships ahead of future engagements.
He reiterated ASSOCHAM’s commitment to facilitating these connections, stating, “We will leave no stone unturned to align industry players and create a win-win situation that drives growth for both regions.”
A Shared Past, A Shared Future
Mr. Minda drew attention to the deep historical and even geological connections between India and Africa, referencing insights from Land of Seven Rivers.
“India and Africa were once part of a single landmass; our connection goes back thousands of years,” he remarked, highlighting the depth of this relationship beyond economics.
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