By IANS,
Gaborone (Botswana) : India has offered technical assistance to develop and strengthen rail network and other mode of transportation in the southern African country of Botswana.
Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Jyotiraditya Scindia offered Indian assistance during a bilateral meeting with Botswana’s Vice President Mompati S. Merafhe Monday night here, a statement from the ministry said Tuesday.
Scindia, who is on an official visit to the country, also emphasised the need for diversifying and increasing bilateral trade.
“The current level of bilateral trade of $64 million between the two countries needs diversification and deepening,” Scindia said.
The present trade basket is dominated by a few commodities like semi-precious stones, and drugs and pharmaceuticals.
The minister said there was huge potential to enhance bilateral trade and economic cooperation between the two countries.
Some Indian firms, including government-run infrastructure firms RITES and IRCON of the Indian Railways, have already provided technical consultancy services to Botswana for various infrastructure projects.
Scindia also held bilateral meetings with Mokgweetsi E. Masisi, minister of presidential affairs and public administration of Botswana.
During the meeting, Masisi sought cooperation of India in IT and communication, particularly e-services.
The minister said India was committed to increasing economic engagement with Botswana and entire African region.
He pointed out that Indian firms have invested over $33 billion in African countries in sectors like telecom, automobiles, IT, pharmaceuticals and agriculture.
However, Scindia said there was immense scope to take the present levels of trade and investment between India and Africa to new heights.
“The proposed ‘India-Africa Business Council’ would lead to enhanced partnerships,” he said.
Scindia said India would like to play an important role in meeting the objectives of National Development Plans of Botswana, which are geared towards diversification of the economy.
“Potential areas for cooperation between India and Botswana are agriculture, medium and small scale industries, IT-enabled services, education and healthcare,” the statement added.