Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan stresses on the need to foster economic ties with Africa

New Delhi, Oct 31 (KNN) Union Minister for Skill development and Entrepreneurship Dharmendra Pradhan   on Monday addressed the African nations at the inaugural ceremony of India Africa Knowledge Exchange Mission ,organized by Ministry of Skills Development and Entrepreneurship and World Bank.

The exchange mission aims to foster the economic ties with African nation in the fields of energy and skill development.

The minister said that this century belongs to India and Africa as both countries have huge demographic advantage with two-third of the population is below   35  years of age and India is  working towards further enhancing co-operation in fields of energy, skill development with all African countries.

The minister also announced to offer the scholarship and professional courses to African students through India's premiere institutions. He also launched the India -Rwanda Innovation group programme" to expand ties in science, technology and innovation.

Highlighting the importance of African nations Pradhan mentioned Nigeria to be one of the top crude suppliers to India, and the India’s top trading partner from Africa.

He also noted that India is among the largest foreign investors in Ghana's economy  and also source of Ethiopia's second largest FDI. (KNN/AG)