By IANS,
New Delhi : Terming India a strategic partner of African countries, Togoan Prime Minister Gilbert Fossoun Houngbo said Monday his West African country was keen to learn from India’s experience in the “Green Revolution” and the progress made in poverty reduction.
“We are keen to learn from the Indian experience in transforming the agriculture sector, especially the Green Revolution, and also in poverty reduction,” Houngbo said at the 7th India-Africa conclave here.
He said several Indian institutions were already offering technical support to Togo in its effort to improve agricultural productivity and healthcare.
“We share several common problems and challenges like high dependence on agriculture and large number of people living below poverty line. India has made remarkable progress in these areas and the West African countries can learn a lot from it,” Houngbo said at the three-day conclave.
He said Togoan government had pledged to bring down poverty through transforming the agriculture sector. Nearly 60 percent of the people in Togo live below the poverty line.
Offering India’s support, Rajinder Bhagat, joint secretary (West Africa) in the external affairs ministry, said: “India has been successful in reducing poverty and we can share our expertise in these areas with African countries.”