International Seminar
on
“India and Africa: An Emerging Partnership”
Organized by
Society of Indian Ocean Studies & Teen Murti Bhavan
in Collaboration with
African Studies Association of India
at
Teen Murti Bhavan, New Delhi
on
4-5th March 2010
Inaguration by External Affairs Minister
Mr. S. M. Krishna
and Valedictory by MOS, External Affairs,
Mr. Shashi Tharoor
|
Concept Note
The world economic meltdown has affected Africa as much as many of the developed countries. South Africa and many countries on the east coast of Africa had shown robust economic growth of about 6%. However, declining foreign exports and foreign investments have had a deleterious effect. These countries have also to withstand the effect of climate change which has a serious impact on agricultural growth, health, etc,. As compared to the developed West, Asian countries especially China and India have withstood the effects of the worldwide recession much better. In this situation, greater south – south cooperation is the need of the hour. India has had historic relations with African countries specially Ethiopia, and the countries on the Horn (Somalia, Ethiopia) and the east coast. India attaches great importance to Africa, not only for historic reasons, but also for its potential for growth. Unlike some of the former colonial powers which were more interested in extractive industries, India emphasizes capacity building, strengthening indigenous entrepreneurship, and local institutions with which India has rich experience. There is rapid growth of urbanization in Africa, with 30% people living in towns. This is expected to grow to 50% by 2020, and will need growing demand for energy including new sources. In this field also, India has rich experience.
In order to chart out new paths of growth and partnerships with South and East Africa – countries abutting on the Western Indian Ocean, the Society for Indian Ocean Studies is planning the above seminar in association with Nehru Memorial Museum & Library and the African Studies Association of India (ASA) located in Jawaharlal Nehru University.
Contact: office@africanstudies.in |
