President seeks new avenues for Indian businesses in Africa

Scouting for new avenues for Indian businesses, President Pranab Mukherjee on Wednesday said that a considerable amount of the capital generated in India seeks new destinations outside the country, including in resource-rich Africa. Recalling ancient trade and economic linkages between India and Africa, he said business and economic activity has always been a major driver of India’s close and friendly ties with Africa.

Addressing the Business Forum of local businessmen, Mukherjee said Cote d’Ivoire is expected to grow at a rate of 9.6 per cent, which makes it a prime destination for investment in Africa and second fastest growing economy after Ethiopia. 

“For Ivorian businessmen, the opportunities offered by India are not new. India has recorded a steady growth at the rate of 7.6 per cent each year – for over a decade now. The comprehensive reforms introduced in key areas of our economy have enhanced the ease of doing business in India,” he said. The President said country’s foreign investment regime has been liberalised through simplified procedures and the removal of several restricting provisions.

Mukherjee said in 2014, India recorded 32 per cent growth in investments and late it emerged as emerged as one of the biggest global investment destinations. “India as economy has grown and matured; a considerable amount of the capital generated in India seeks new destinations outside the country, including in Africa. Indian investors are aware of the potential of Cote d’Ivoire; with its large land mass, rich natural resources and youthful demography, as an important investment destination,” he said.