'Knowledge & technology key to Indo-African ties'

New Delhi, Mar 17: In his valedictory address at the 6th CII-Exim Bank Conclave on India-Africa Project Partnership, Dr Vivek Katju, Secretary West, Ministry of External Affairs, spoke on how access to knowledge and latest advancements in science and technology will determine the quality and sustainability of India-Africa partnerships.

He said that all efforts to further the India-Africa partnerships will be jeopardized if the initiatives are not aligned with the dynamic changes in the knowledge domain.

Attributing the reason behind the countries' colonisation to the inability to keep up with the technological advancements, Dr Katju said that the current focus on capacity building and skills development will prevent such a scenario and that this is where Indo-African ties gain significance.

"Due focus on knowledge and science and technology will give our nations the rightful positions in the global economic order," he remarked.

The Joint Action Plan drawn up to implement the key decisions taken at the first India Africa Forum Summit will contribute toward building 'solid structures' for furthering cooperation in knowledge sharing, he said.

"We need the support of the business community to realise these goals," he stated to invoke a comprehensive partnership involving government and private corporates.

OneIndia News