Address by the President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee at the India-Ghana Business Forum event at ACCRA on June 13, 2016
Address by the President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee at the India-Ghana Business Forum event at ACCRA on June 13, 2016
1. I am delighted to be here. Ghana is a trusted friend of India. Our two countries have had a similar political history and today, as developing economies, we have a shared vision for our peoples. India values Ghana's friendship and is committed to partnering Ghana in achieving its goals of sustained development and growth.
Ladies and gentlemen,
2. I am happy that our leading business chambers - the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) and Ghana Chamber of Commerce and Industry, have joined hands to organize this meeting today.
3. Indian businessmen and entrepreneurs, due to their long association with this country and their similar experience know what their counterparts in Ghana are seeking. They, like you, have only recently transitioned from a protected business environment in post-Independence India to succeed as global giants today, competing with the best in the world. They are familiar with the challenges faced in developing economies.
4. India is one of the few countries where Small and Medium Enterprises thrive alongside large conglomerates, creating jobs and ensuring wealth distribution on the one hand and infrastructure development, indigenization and external business linkages, on the other.
5. Indian entrepreneurs know that developing countries need to prioritise relevant and eco-friendly technologies that are in sync with the state of economic development of the country as well as its social needs. We have learned that calibrated foreign investments are the key to rapid growth in a developing nation. Indian businesses have learned adaptability and would be happy to share their experience with their Ghanaian counterparts.
6. 'Brand India' is a trusted name today across the developing as well as the developed world. It is trusted because it adds value to the resources of the host countries; it is welcomed because it works and grows together with the local companies; it brings appropriate technologies which create jobs and has the adaptability to absorb local talent; it rejuvenates and invigorates local industry without constraining their growth in any way.
7. Friends, Ghana, on its part, is not unfamiliar with this Indian experience. Indian businesses and investments have been present in Ghana for a long time. However, the potential is large, with considerable scope for growth - both in investments and trade. If a conducive environment is facilitated, the Indian Government would be ready to work with you in key sectors and areas of common interest and encourage Indian private as well as public entrepreneurs to bring more investments into Ghana. I am confident that the representatives of 'Brand India' who are today will reach out to Ghanaian business and industry to forge mutually beneficial partnerships. I have no doubt that both sides recognize the potential and the synergies that are waiting to be exploited.
8. Friends, I am glad to note that our bilateral trade is in favour of Ghana. However, I would encourage the Ghanaian entrepreneurs to diversify and expand their exports to India. During the third India-Africa Forum Summit in October last year in New Delhi, India earmarked US$ 10 billion for diverse projects in Africa and capacity building efforts. Government of India looks forward to working with Ghana to identify projects for utilisation of these funds in Ghana.
9. Wherever there is a possibility for public-private-partnerships, Government of India will not hesitate to support such projects to further strengthen the excellent bilateral relations between our two countries.
10. Dear friends, I am encouraged to note that Ghanaian businessmen are regular participants in the India-Africa Partnership events organised by Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and EXIM Bank of India from time to time. In 2010, President Mahama had himself led the Ghanaian delegation, in his capacity as Vice-President. Ghana's current Vice-President, Mr. Amissah Arthur had participated in the most recent partnership Summit in March 2016. The private and public sectors on both sides should take advantage of the desire and commitment of the two governments to deepen their mutual economic stakes.
11. India-Ghana relations transcend political ideologies and geographical space. Government of India has been happy to extend assistance to Ghana through grants and Lines of Credit, despite her own resource constraints. Our economic cooperation can be extended further - beyond government-funded projects. With the active involvement of Government of Ghana and organisations such as Ghana Investment Promotion Council, we could together identify viable projects for the Indian private sector to invest in. Indian multi-national companies are active and successful in several countries in Africa and would be more than happy to come to a friendly country like Ghana. They recognise that Ghana is the first sub-Saharan nation that marched ahead to become a lower middle income country. Indian private sector appreciates the peaceful, secure and stable environment of Ghana, which is a critical requirement for any investor. The Indian private sector is equipped with funding capacity as well as appropriate technologies. They stand ready to work with their Ghanaian counterparts as partners for mutual benefit.
12. With these words, I thank you all once again for your attention and President Mahama, for your kind presence and solidarity.
Ladies and gentlemen,
2. I am happy that our leading business chambers - the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) and Ghana Chamber of Commerce and Industry, have joined hands to organize this meeting today.
3. Indian businessmen and entrepreneurs, due to their long association with this country and their similar experience know what their counterparts in Ghana are seeking. They, like you, have only recently transitioned from a protected business environment in post-Independence India to succeed as global giants today, competing with the best in the world. They are familiar with the challenges faced in developing economies.
4. India is one of the few countries where Small and Medium Enterprises thrive alongside large conglomerates, creating jobs and ensuring wealth distribution on the one hand and infrastructure development, indigenization and external business linkages, on the other.
5. Indian entrepreneurs know that developing countries need to prioritise relevant and eco-friendly technologies that are in sync with the state of economic development of the country as well as its social needs. We have learned that calibrated foreign investments are the key to rapid growth in a developing nation. Indian businesses have learned adaptability and would be happy to share their experience with their Ghanaian counterparts.
6. 'Brand India' is a trusted name today across the developing as well as the developed world. It is trusted because it adds value to the resources of the host countries; it is welcomed because it works and grows together with the local companies; it brings appropriate technologies which create jobs and has the adaptability to absorb local talent; it rejuvenates and invigorates local industry without constraining their growth in any way.
7. Friends, Ghana, on its part, is not unfamiliar with this Indian experience. Indian businesses and investments have been present in Ghana for a long time. However, the potential is large, with considerable scope for growth - both in investments and trade. If a conducive environment is facilitated, the Indian Government would be ready to work with you in key sectors and areas of common interest and encourage Indian private as well as public entrepreneurs to bring more investments into Ghana. I am confident that the representatives of 'Brand India' who are today will reach out to Ghanaian business and industry to forge mutually beneficial partnerships. I have no doubt that both sides recognize the potential and the synergies that are waiting to be exploited.
8. Friends, I am glad to note that our bilateral trade is in favour of Ghana. However, I would encourage the Ghanaian entrepreneurs to diversify and expand their exports to India. During the third India-Africa Forum Summit in October last year in New Delhi, India earmarked US$ 10 billion for diverse projects in Africa and capacity building efforts. Government of India looks forward to working with Ghana to identify projects for utilisation of these funds in Ghana.
9. Wherever there is a possibility for public-private-partnerships, Government of India will not hesitate to support such projects to further strengthen the excellent bilateral relations between our two countries.
10. Dear friends, I am encouraged to note that Ghanaian businessmen are regular participants in the India-Africa Partnership events organised by Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and EXIM Bank of India from time to time. In 2010, President Mahama had himself led the Ghanaian delegation, in his capacity as Vice-President. Ghana's current Vice-President, Mr. Amissah Arthur had participated in the most recent partnership Summit in March 2016. The private and public sectors on both sides should take advantage of the desire and commitment of the two governments to deepen their mutual economic stakes.
11. India-Ghana relations transcend political ideologies and geographical space. Government of India has been happy to extend assistance to Ghana through grants and Lines of Credit, despite her own resource constraints. Our economic cooperation can be extended further - beyond government-funded projects. With the active involvement of Government of Ghana and organisations such as Ghana Investment Promotion Council, we could together identify viable projects for the Indian private sector to invest in. Indian multi-national companies are active and successful in several countries in Africa and would be more than happy to come to a friendly country like Ghana. They recognise that Ghana is the first sub-Saharan nation that marched ahead to become a lower middle income country. Indian private sector appreciates the peaceful, secure and stable environment of Ghana, which is a critical requirement for any investor. The Indian private sector is equipped with funding capacity as well as appropriate technologies. They stand ready to work with their Ghanaian counterparts as partners for mutual benefit.
12. With these words, I thank you all once again for your attention and President Mahama, for your kind presence and solidarity.
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Brand India a trusted name today across developing as well as developed world, says President
The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee addressed a Business Forum event organized by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) and Ghana Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Accra today (June 13, 2016).
Speaking on the occasion, the President said India-Ghana relations transcend political ideologies and geographical space. The Government of India has been happy to extend assistance to Ghana through grants and Lines of Credit. Our economic cooperation can be extended further - beyond government-funded projects. With the active involvement of Government of Ghana and organisations such as Ghana Investment Promotion Council, we could together identify viable projects for the Indian private sector to invest in. Indian multi-national companies are active and successful in several countries in Africa and would be more than happy to come to a friendly country like Ghana. Indian private sector appreciates the peaceful, secure and stable environment of Ghana, which is a critical requirement for any investor. The Indian private sector is equipped with funding capacity as well as appropriate technologies. They stand ready to work with their Ghanaian counterparts as partners for mutual benefit.
The President said'Brand India' is a trusted name today across the developing as well as the developed world. It is trusted because it adds value to the resources of the host countries; it is welcomed because it works and grows together with the local companies; it brings appropriate technologies which create jobs and has the adaptability to absorb local talent; it rejuvenates and invigorates local industry without constraining their growth in any way. If a conducive environment is facilitated, the Indian Government would be ready to work with Ghana in key sectors and areas of common interest and encourage Indian private as well as public entrepreneurs to bring more investments into Ghana.
Speaking on the occasion, the President said India-Ghana relations transcend political ideologies and geographical space. The Government of India has been happy to extend assistance to Ghana through grants and Lines of Credit. Our economic cooperation can be extended further - beyond government-funded projects. With the active involvement of Government of Ghana and organisations such as Ghana Investment Promotion Council, we could together identify viable projects for the Indian private sector to invest in. Indian multi-national companies are active and successful in several countries in Africa and would be more than happy to come to a friendly country like Ghana. Indian private sector appreciates the peaceful, secure and stable environment of Ghana, which is a critical requirement for any investor. The Indian private sector is equipped with funding capacity as well as appropriate technologies. They stand ready to work with their Ghanaian counterparts as partners for mutual benefit.
The President said'Brand India' is a trusted name today across the developing as well as the developed world. It is trusted because it adds value to the resources of the host countries; it is welcomed because it works and grows together with the local companies; it brings appropriate technologies which create jobs and has the adaptability to absorb local talent; it rejuvenates and invigorates local industry without constraining their growth in any way. If a conducive environment is facilitated, the Indian Government would be ready to work with Ghana in key sectors and areas of common interest and encourage Indian private as well as public entrepreneurs to bring more investments into Ghana.
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Address by the President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee at the Banquet hosted in his honour by President of Ghana in Accra on June 12, 2016
1. It is indeed my privilege to visit the Republic of Ghana on the first ever State Visit by a President of India. I am accompanied by a delegation of Parliamentarians that represent diverse regions of our country.
2. We bring the warm greetings of the people and Government of India. I would, at the very outset like to convey my sincere appreciation for the warm welcome extended to me and to my delegation and the excellent arrangements that have been made for us since our arrival.
3. Excellencies, the goodwill between the peoples of India and Ghana transcends the geographical distance between us. Our affinities - underlined by the trust that we share - defy the traditional logic of diplomacy and foreign relations. It is a bond forged in the hearts and minds of our two peoples. The India-Ghana brotherhood is anchored in our similar experiences, nurtured by the shared aspirations of our peoples and guided by the vision of our Founding Fathers.
4. In 1936, in the context of the impending Second World War, Poet Laureate Rabindranath Tagore, who was then in the twilight of his life, raised his voice against the barbarism of the forces of imperialism. Shocked by the invasion of Ethiopia in 1935, he expressed his pain in his composition, “Africa”, from which I quote:
“Alas, shadowy Africa,
Under your black veil
Your human aspect remained unknown,
Blurred by the murk of contempt.
Others came with iron manacles
With clutches sharper than the claws of your own wild wolves:
Slavers came, with an arrogance
more benighted than your own dark jungles.
Civilization’s barbarous greed
Flaunted its naked inhumanity.
You wailed wordlessly, muddied the soil of your steamy jungles
With blood and tears;
The hobnailed boots of your violators
Stuck gouts of that stinking mud
Forever on your stained history”…….. (unquote)
5. Tagore had echoed the sentiments of solidarity of the people of India. The principles of Non-Violence and Satyagraha espoused by Mahatma Gandhi, Father of the Indian Nation, had also inspired the Indian people’s support for decolonization of Africa and the anti-apartheid movement.
6. The people of India fondly remember Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, a great son of Ghana and a visionary leader of Pan-Africanism. He embodied Africa's dignity, and inspired the peoples and the governments of African countries to claim their rightful place in global affairs.
7. I am heartened to note that Ghana is the first sub-Saharan African nation to have successfully halved poverty levels and that it has crossed the threshold to become a Low-Middle-Income country. I have no doubt that your dynamic government has already set itself new goals for achieving even greater heights of progress and prosperity for your people. I offer you my best wishes for the success of your endeavours.
8. Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, as the Head of State of the world's largest democracy, I would like to congratulate Ghana for its giant strides in strengthening democracy. Not only in Western Africa, but in the entire African Continent, Ghana is regarded with respect - as a nation of robust democratic institutions. Our bilateral relations have expanded and deepened over the years. Both investments and trade have seen rapid growth. The Government of India and the Indian corporate world recognize the rich potential of the Ghanaian economy. Indian companies would be happy to invest in Ghana if the right opportunities are given to them. We look forward to working with you to realise the full potential of our synergies to our mutual benefit.
9. India will continue to extend the hand of co-operation to Ghana as it marches towards prosperity. Ghana can always count on India’s hand of friendship and co-operation. India will be happy to offer assistance and support in all areas where it is required by you. Our scholarship programmes under the Indian Technical Cooperation Programme and Indian Council for Cultural Relations are open to you and we welcome your citizens to avail our schemes for human resource development.
10. I take this opportunity to convey the appreciation of the people of India for your active participation and contribution in the 3rd India-Africa Forum Summit held in New Delhi in October last year. The Government of India seeks Ghana's continued support in fulfilling the vision of the Forum and achieving its common goals for realising the collective aspirations of our peoples.
11. I am aware of the significant advancement made by Ghana in achieving its Millennium Development Goals and Sustainable Development Goals. I take this opportunity to congratulate Your Excellency, President Mahama, on your appointment by the Secretary General of the United Nations as the Co-Chair of the Advocacy group on Sustainable Development Goals. India recognised and appreciated Ghana's active role in the fight against Ebola. We also laud Ghana's dynamism in the Economic Community of West African States and welcome your efforts to promote greater integration within the region and across the African continent.
12. Since India and Ghana became independent States, the world has transformed itself. Today, the world order demands global governance structures that are consistent with the new challenges that confront the global community. It is a serious anomaly that India, home to every sixth citizen of the world and Africa, a vibrant hub of the global economy, still remains out of the UN Security Council.
13. Excellency, India, as a victim of terrorism for over three decades, shares your concern that this has become a global menace. It is a scourge that knows no borders; it has no ideology except the ideology of wanton destruction. It must be eradicated through the collective efforts of the civilised world. India stands in solidarity with you as you confront this challenge.
14. I take this opportunity to convey my deep gratitude to the Government and the people of Ghana for warmly embracing the Indian Diaspora. I am glad to note that they have become an important bridge linking our two countries.
15. \With these words, I thank you once again for your gracious hospitality.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
May I request you to join me in raising a toast:
- to the health and happiness of His Excellency, President John Dramani Mahama and The First Lady of GhanaMadam Lordina Mahama,
- to the continued success, prosperity and well-being of the people of Ghana;
and
- to the enduring friendship between the peoples of the Republic of India and the Republic of Ghana.
Thank you!
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Ghana can always count on India’s hand of friendship and Co-operation, says President
His Excellency Mr. John Dramani Mahama, the President of the Republic Ghana hosted a Banquet in honour of the President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee in Accra yesterday (June 12, 2016).
In his banquet speech, President Mukherjee said the India-Ghana brotherhood is anchored in our similar experiences, nurtured by the shared aspirations of our peoples and guided by the vision of our Founding Fathers. India will continue to extend the hand of co-operation to Ghana as it marches towards prosperity. Ghana can always count on India’s hand of friendship and co-operation. India will be happy to offer assistance and support in all areas where it is required by Ghana.
The President said bilateral relations of India and Ghana have expanded and deepened over the years. Both investments and trade have seen rapid growth. The Government of India and the Indian corporate world recognize the rich potential of the Ghanaian economy. Indian companies would be happy to invest in Ghana if the right opportunities are given to them. We look forward to working with you to realise the full potential of our synergies to our mutual benefit.
In his banquet speech, President Mukherjee said the India-Ghana brotherhood is anchored in our similar experiences, nurtured by the shared aspirations of our peoples and guided by the vision of our Founding Fathers. India will continue to extend the hand of co-operation to Ghana as it marches towards prosperity. Ghana can always count on India’s hand of friendship and co-operation. India will be happy to offer assistance and support in all areas where it is required by Ghana.
The President said bilateral relations of India and Ghana have expanded and deepened over the years. Both investments and trade have seen rapid growth. The Government of India and the Indian corporate world recognize the rich potential of the Ghanaian economy. Indian companies would be happy to invest in Ghana if the right opportunities are given to them. We look forward to working with you to realise the full potential of our synergies to our mutual benefit.
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President of India expresses shock and sadness over deadly attack against innocent civilians in Orlando, USA
The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee expressed shock and deep sadness over the deadly attack against innocent civilians in Orlando, USA.
In a message to the President of USA, His Excellency Mr. Barack Obama, the President had said “I was shocked and deeply saddened to hear of the deadly attack against innocent civilians in Orlando earlier today. I offer my deepest sympathies to all those who have been affected by this terrible tragedy.
India condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. We believe that there can be no justification for such senseless acts of violence.
This event is yet another grim reminder that the world must come together to address, comprehensively and urgently, the scourge of terrorism, its perpetrators and also those who support or harbour them.
The people of India stand by the people of the United States of America in their moment of grief and mourning. We pray for the families that have lost loved ones and for the swift recovery of the injured”.
In a message to the President of USA, His Excellency Mr. Barack Obama, the President had said “I was shocked and deeply saddened to hear of the deadly attack against innocent civilians in Orlando earlier today. I offer my deepest sympathies to all those who have been affected by this terrible tragedy.
India condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. We believe that there can be no justification for such senseless acts of violence.
This event is yet another grim reminder that the world must come together to address, comprehensively and urgently, the scourge of terrorism, its perpetrators and also those who support or harbour them.
The people of India stand by the people of the United States of America in their moment of grief and mourning. We pray for the families that have lost loved ones and for the swift recovery of the injured”.
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