As aspiring economies, India and Africa share a lot in common; they are rich in natural resources, have a similar demography and a large domestic market. This provides a natural synergy for building partnership. Incessant efforts are being put in at government as well as private sector level for a comprehensive engagement to march together as partners in progress. Today, especially when the global economic environment is in turmoil, the importance of South-South cooperation becomes extremely relevant.

The age-old ties between India and Africa have today matured into a vibrant economic partnership. Synergy that exists between India and Africa can be gauged from the recent robust trends in Indo-African trade relations, wherein bilateral trade has risen almost five fold in the last five years, from USD 7.1billion in 2003-04 to USD 34.4billion in 2007-08. India's engagement with Africa goes beyond trade to an entire spectrum of activities like investment collaboration, technology transfer, skill development, etc.

That the burgeoning Indian-Africa relationship can change global economic equation was recognized by Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) long back and a dedicated Africa desk was set up. FICCI Africa Desk has been proactively taking several initiatives to deepen Indian's economic engagement with Africa.

In its more than a decade of service, this desk has been working closely with African missions in India, Indian mission in Africa, Counterpart Chambers of Commerce in Africa, Industry Associations and private players in India and Africa to develop the synergies for mutual development. FICCI has hosted and mounted several business and official delegations from and to countries across the African continent. Focused interactions have been organised for better mutual understanding of policy and market conditions in India and Africa at various levels.

FICCI has also organized sector specific initiatives, such as conferences, exhibitions, research studies and intellectual discussions in sectors, such as healthcare and pharmaceuticals, agribusiness and food processing, water management, education, hydrocarbons, etc.

FICCI has set up institutional mechanisms called Joint Business Councils (JBCs) with counterpart apex Chambers in different countries in Africa to facilitate business to business interaction on a regular basis. JBCs provide a variety of business facilitation services by closely working with Government and business promotion organizations in India and the respective partner countries.

ICCI Africa desk's continuing endeavour has been to redefine and upgrade India's economic engagement with Africa through a multidimensional strategy at bilateral, multilateral, institutional and sectoral level. FICCI remains committed to the concerned stakeholders in deliberating economic and business partnerships.

Papers:

• India-Africa Cooperation in Agriculture: Challenges & Opportunities
• Paper on Business Strategy with Africa