Commerce and Industry Minister, Piyush Goyal has said that India and Africa are very much aligned in their desires, ambitions and aspirations. Addressing the Special Plenary Session with Trade Ministers of African nations at CII India Africa Business Conclave in New Delhi today, Mr Goyal said, India and African nations are striving for a better quality of life for the people of their countries, seeking greater investments to bring the fruits of increased trade, strengthen the economic profiles, and drive growth. He said, the efforts aim to enhance greater prosperity and a better quality of life for the people of India and Africa.

Reiterating the words of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Mr Goyal said, India’s engagement with Africa will continue to be guided by 10 principles, with the first and foremost being that Africa will be at the top of the priorities. He said, various initiatives have been undertaken in this regard including bringing the African Union into the G20 as a full-fledged permanent member, raising issues of common interest across multilateral fora such as the WTO, protecting interests of the Global South and various forms of assistance through Lines of Credit, among others.