'India's technology solutions can be effectively applied in Africa'

New Delhi, Mar.20 : In an attempt to promote co-operation between India and Africa in areas of information and communication technology, Sanjay Kirloskar, Chairman, Kirloskar Brothers Ltd, said that the future requires the effective utilization of technology and India's technology solutions can be effectively applied in Africa.

He stated this during a Special Plenary - Partnering for Adaptable Technologies and Appropriate Solutions at 4th CII - EXIM BANK Conclave on India - Africa Project Partnership 2008 at Taj Palace, here today.

Stressing the need for India to increase its global presence, Kirloskar highlighted the achievements made by India in sectors like telecom, microfinance etc. and also talked about 'Pan African e-network', an initiative to support tele-education.

Speaking at the session, Simon Mboso Kiamputu, Congo's Minister of Industry and Small and Medium Enterprises, said, "Democratic Republic of Congo is the 3rd largest country with vast natural resources and is also the prime producer of Cobalt".

The minister highlighted the concerns involved in importing processed products from abroad and thus the need to add value to their natural resources and export them.

While mentioning the lack of technology in areas like pharmaceuticals, petroleum products, and piracy etc, Kiamputu said that their small and medium enterprises can be upgraded by initiating partnership with India.

Minister of State for Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Uganda, Professor Semakula Kiwanuka said that Uganda is a net importer of technology, petroleum products and manpower.

Stressing that Uganda is a "full liberalized economy", the minister said that in the 1990s, Uganda legalized the black money market, which brought all the dollars and pounds before the government.

"India is the second largest investor in Uganda", said the minister and invited partnerships in areas like education, health, infrastructure to explore the human and natural resources.

Also present at the conclave, S Kuppuswamy said, "We (Indians) try to adapt solutions which can be applied in specific situations" and stressed the compelling need for Africa to undergo what India already has gone through.

ANI